When it comes to suffering, I’m no stranger. Perhaps you have also experienced this or witnessed unspeakable trauma in person or via the news.
There have been deaths in my family and among my dear friends. I’ve suffered much trauma at the hands of a husband, the one earthly person a woman ought to be able to trust, and afterward navigated the ruins of that relationship. I’ve suffered extreme financial hardship and complex health issues. I’ve cared for others during their times of extreme suffering. The worst suffering I’ve experienced has been betrayal within my family and church.
As recorded in the Bible, suffering began after Satan tempted Eve and Adam, who then chose to disobey God. At that time, sin entered the world, and anguish came with it. Job was one of the most well-known men in Biblical history who suffered very deeply; I highly encourage you to read about him. While it may seem like the Bible’s history is about Job the man, it’s more about God’s love and purpose for all humanity. God does have a purpose and reason for allowing us to endure suffering in our lives, which is to draw us into a closer relationship with Him.
I confess I have not always chosen wise paths in life. For me, the temptation is to try an easy way out of difficulty and hurt no matter what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell me. When I keep my heart, mind, soul, and purpose firmly fixed upon God while suffering, He richly blesses me.
“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 ESV).
In what ways have you suffered? Have you seen God working in your life to draw you into a closer relationship with Him?
There have been deaths in my family and among my dear friends. I’ve suffered much trauma at the hands of a husband, the one earthly person a woman ought to be able to trust, and afterward navigated the ruins of that relationship. I’ve suffered extreme financial hardship and complex health issues. I’ve cared for others during their times of extreme suffering. The worst suffering I’ve experienced has been betrayal within my family and church.
As recorded in the Bible, suffering began after Satan tempted Eve and Adam, who then chose to disobey God. At that time, sin entered the world, and anguish came with it. Job was one of the most well-known men in Biblical history who suffered very deeply; I highly encourage you to read about him. While it may seem like the Bible’s history is about Job the man, it’s more about God’s love and purpose for all humanity. God does have a purpose and reason for allowing us to endure suffering in our lives, which is to draw us into a closer relationship with Him.
I confess I have not always chosen wise paths in life. For me, the temptation is to try an easy way out of difficulty and hurt no matter what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell me. When I keep my heart, mind, soul, and purpose firmly fixed upon God while suffering, He richly blesses me.
“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 ESV).
In what ways have you suffered? Have you seen God working in your life to draw you into a closer relationship with Him?
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7 Comments
Karen, thank you for sharing. When suffering comes from the hands of those we are closest to, well, thats a very deep cut. Another hurt our savior experienced when he was betrayed by Judas and crucified by his own people. His grace is sufficient, and free, and healing, and grace draws us closer to our Lord.
So true Debbie. Since before time began, God's love and purpose for us has always been to draw us into ever closer relationship with Him. His plan weaves through the entire Bible. Through His love, mercy and grace, He sent His son Jesus (who suffered so much on our behalf) to take our penalty for sin upon Himself. Our sin is gone in the sight of God, and as we are free from it, we may now draw closer in our relationship with Him, through our Lord Jesus Christ. As you say, ultimately this will bring healing to our souls and lives.
Thank you for sharing, Karen. Sometimes I wonder, why is there so much suffering in the world? Yes, our world is broken because of sin. But our suffering is so trivial compared to what Jesus endured. I can only keep my eyes on Him in gratitude.
Wonderful Susan. Some ladies have suffered so far beyond anything I can imagine; healing for our physical selves takes time. When we keep our focus firmly fixed upon God through our Lord Jesus, even through the most intense suffering imaginable, He will make our paths straight.
Excellent perspective on suffering Karen. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing, Karen. We never know by outward appearance what a person has endured. The Holy Spirit has comforted me when our precious young son died of cancer, when other loved ones died and during the many surgeries and challenges of my 16-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. I've experienced the truth that the Lord is near to the broken hearted.
The sweetest, most intimate time in my walk with the Lord was when I was hurting the most. When you trust Him and lean into Him to carry you,
Thank you for sharing your heart and reminding me of how precious that time with God was in my life. 💜