Evang Ps. Kenneth Nandoha
Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
2 Corinthians 1:6-7
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. St Paul the Apostle says;
God will tenderly comfort you when you undergo these same sufferings.
This question, “Why must the righteous suffer?” is as old as time. There is only one place that we can find an answer, and that is in the Bible. You do not need to study the Scriptures long to learn why sinners meet reverses and anguish. They are apart from God. Their sorrow is the result of their sins. But why do Christians suffer?
Scripture teaches that many Christians suffer so that they may fellowship with others who are in affliction. Only those who have known sorrow and suffering can have fellowship with those in affliction. The Word of God also teaches that Christians suffer in order that they might glorify God in their lives. The Bible further teaches that Christians suffer in order that God might teach them lessons in prayer. Also, Christians suffer in order that God might bring them to repentance.
I don’t know all the reasons why God doesn’t intervene and stop all suffering and conflict and injustice. Someday we will know but not yet. But I do know two very important truths. First, this world is not the way God intended for it to be. The world was perfect when God created it but then something intervened, and that “something” was sin. The human race rebelled against its Creator and like a deadly spiritual cancer, sin invaded the world and brought death and destruction in its wake.
Second, someday God will intervene, and all the evil and pain and sorrow we now experience will be destroyed. Satan, our adversary, will be banished forever, and God will make all things new. The Bible says, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).
Don’t leave God out of your life; don’t confront this world’s evils or death on your own. Instead, turn to Christ and discover the peace and joy and strength He alone gives to all who put their trust in Him. Jesus said, “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Today’s Prayer
How tender is Your comfort, Lord. How loving Your chastening. In all I am teach me how to handle all the situations both good and evil, soft and hard, turf and smooth. Into your hands I commit again. Jesus I believe in you and I belong to you. You are the reason that I live. Amen
