The Christian and suffering.

Good day beautiful people,

I hope and pray that this post meets you well? Oh my, this time of the year is so busy and it can become so exhausting and overwhelming, which is why it’s so important to re-focus our attention on God Almighty, remembering that He will supply all of our needs and that He is the most important person in our lives. Sometimes it’s necessary to pause and take a reality check because it’s in moments like these where we realise that we are missing the bigger picture. What’s vital is the relationships which God has given to us. Our family members, loved ones, friends, and most importantly of all our relationship with Christ the King, our Maker, the Prince of peace, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.

Swiftly moving forward, today’s post has been inspired by a powerful sermon preached at my local church on Sunday the third of December 2023…By my dad 😌.

A common question that many people tend to ask is why do bad things happen to good people, and why does God allow suffering? And as humans from childhood we are created to be inquisitive. We are curious beings seeking answers to difficult questions, and through the acquiring of knowledge we are able to grow. There is no harm in asking questions, but what can be to our detriment is when we refuse to acknowledge the answers which are found in the book of absolute truth…the Bible. There are some things that we will never truly understand as humans. We have limitations and no one has a monopoly on truth. But we have to stop and ask ourselves is there truly anyone that is good? The short answer to that question is no only God is good. Humans have a tendency to be motivated by greed. Sometimes we don’t share, sometimes selfish ambition causes us to step on other peoples toes. It’s a dog eat dog world out there. But still, why does God allow suffering?

The title of the Sunday sermon preached on 03/12/2023 was ‘Not all believers are healed or delivered from troubles’.

So, someone who is not skilled in accurately dividing the word of God can destroy lives, just like a quack doctor. Which is why it is very important to find yourself a Bible believe Church, rather than attending a place where someone has given themself the title teacher or preacher. Sadly, in today’s day and age, they are many self-proclaimed prophets. We must test every spirit and study ourselves approved. This is how we can avoid falling into traps which false teachers place along our paths. Do not

become a victim of someone else’s ignorance. The prosperity gospel is a lie. Also we all get it wrong sometimes but I’d strongly advise you not to stay in a church where they preach another gospel other than Christ (2 Corinthians 11:4).

Now, let us look at what the Bible says about suffering.

Hebrews 11:33-39 ~ “By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.

^^^The above verses show us that some Christians missed death by the sword, some women received their dead back to life, yet some were tortured and put to death.

Also, Jesus wasn’t delivered from death through crucifixion. Sometimes God doesn’t take us out of trouble but gives us strength to go THROUGH the trouble! Jesus on multiple occasions spoke out saying ‘if this cup can be taken from Him, but let the Father’s will be done’. And what cup was Jesus referring to here?… It was the cup of suffering.

Matthew 26:39 ~ “He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Mark 14:36 ~ “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Luke 22:42 ~ “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Also, Paul requested on three occasions for God to take the thorn in his flesh away from him (2 Corinthians 12:8), but God said that His grace is sufficient enough for Paul. [A thorn is commonly interpreted to relate to hardship/suffering].

Isaiah was sawed in half for his faith, John the Baptist beheaded and Stephen stoned. Most apostles were killed, except for John who lived till an old age.

Some believers die in sickness or in an accident. Some believers never get married or have children, and it’s not because of their sin, rather it is God’s will for their life. God is perfect in all of His ways, and we must believe that He is righteous and just. There are some things we will never fully understand.

1 Peter 4:12 ~ “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.”

^^^1 Peter 4:12 reminds us that as Christians we shouldn’t be surprised or ashamed about our suffering. Wealth and health is not guaranteed to us.

John 21:19 ~ “Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”

^^^Even in death Peter glorified God!

Even when we lose materialistic things, or when those closest to us pass away, don’t turn from God! This act alone is a demonstration of faith and glorifies God.

Daniel 3:16-18 ~ “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

^^^ This is how we should look at life as a Christian! This should be our theology.

Even if God doesn’t come through the way I expect, I will still praise Him (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

Now, this is an extremely short post and the topic of suffering is extremely vast/broad so I do encourage you to do your own research, study God’s word and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance so that you get to know your Maker more deeply. Do not stop acquiring wisdom the Bible says if any of you lack wisdom just ask. And if you can, do attend a Bible believing theology school or Bible study group where teachers are led to read, study and teach Scripture under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Also don’t forget that we have eternity to look forward to! In heaven there will be no pain, tears or suffering. I look forward to unbroken fellowship with God.

Romans 8:18 ~ “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.”

Take care and I pray you have a wonderful Christmas celebrating the life of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

God bless

Love from

Christian Lady After God’s Own Heart 💜

1 Peter 4:19 ~ “So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.”