Beyond Suffering Bible Sampler - Flipbook - Page 13
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W O R D
F R O M J O N I
I Need God in My Suffering
When we wonder why we must suffer, we’re actually asking questions of
someone. That someone is God. But why he created suffering doesn’t really
matter. The only thing that matters is how we respond. When we can’t find
the answers we’re looking for, we can find peace in the only true answer: We
need him! Affliction is the lowest common denominator for all of us. Philippians 1:29 tells us to expect suffering: “For you have been given not only the
privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.” No
matter how strong our faith is, it’s natural to ask why.
After many years of suffering, I’ve concluded that God allows one
form of evil, suffering, to expose another form of evil, sin. It is as if God turns
suffering on its head and helps us to feel the sting of sin when we suffer so
that as we are headed for heaven, we’re reminded of how poisonous sin really
is. So, suffering is this jackhammer, a sandblasting machine that strips away
the fear, anxiety, self-centeredness, complaining, and “I don’t care” attitude
toward others who hurt. God allows affliction to rip that away so that we can
see the world through the eyes of Christ.
God hates evil and suffering. He tells us in his Word to relieve suffering, and he relieves it every day. We can be sure if our hearts hurt for someone, God felt that pain first. He felt my pain first. Our souls are strengthened
through suffering. To know God better, we must know our suffering better.
And as we do, we become less “me” focused and more God focused.
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