The Paradox of Suffering

   Many of us live in a society where pain and suffering is avoided at all cost; and yet, society is filled with those who cause themselves much misery. People are gifted at self-sabotage. For some reason they feel the need to hurt themselves. Perhaps, you’re one of them. Nevertheless, along with the rest, they seek a life of ease, in which these two unavoidable things don’t exist.

   To be sure, there are others who feel the need to cause others to suffer, which is an indicator that they themselves are in some sort of pain. As the saying goes, “Hurters hurt.”

   Of course, a great many self-medicate in order to rid themselves of pain and suffering; and yet, as long as they continue down this path, they’ll never find true relief. In the end, these two tyrants are still there badgering and taunting them, which leads to more of the same.

   We must not forget the accusations against God concerning pain and suffering. There is much discussion about how God could allow this, which will not be addressed in this writing. Well, maybe partially. This would make for a great Bible Study for those who find themselves questioning God on account of all that’s in the world. By the way, such a study requires honesty if one is to find the truth of the matter.

Does pain and suffering have any advantages?

The Advantages of Pain and Suffering

   It sounds like an oxymoron, but pain and suffering does have some advantages. Here’s an obvious example: without pain, one might not know an injury has occurred to the body. What could possibly happen if someone was unaware of a deep wound, because of not having pain that would accompany it? Pain and suffering tell us something is wrong.

   This is spiritually true as well. Let’s examine one spiritual application. This particular one gives one reason God would allow pain and suffering.

   Romans 2:4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

   Question: how many turned to God, because of pain and suffering? Were you one who had to hit bottom before you looked up? While God is not the One Who causes pain and suffering, He does indeed use them for the good. Would you consider pain and suffering bad if they were the only things to lead someone to Jesus? Which is worse, temporary hardship or eternal torment? Don’t misunderstand, the Lord would prefer a person to come to Him without suffering first.

   Truthfully, most suffer before they repent. Even if someone doesn’t endure some hardship, the guilt associated with sin weighs heavy. Guilt, shame and condemnation will always be present until one receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In fact, this unholy trinity wreaks havoc on those who refuse the conviction of Holy Spirit.

   John 8:8-11 And He (Holy Spirit), when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

   Holy Spirit’s conviction leads people to repentance. It draws to them to God; whereas, guilt, shame and condemnation drives them further away from Him. Yes, these three also influence people to self-medicate in so many different ways. The decision to continue in this fashion, or to turn to God is still their decision to make.

   Do your remember that pain thing? Remember, without it, we would be unaware something is wrong. Conviction does the same thing. Without it, we would not have been aware of our need for a Savior. Those who resist it, will find the unholy three constantly harassing them in order to keep them from finding Jesus.

Pain and Suffering Presents a Decision

   Is this a true statement: Choice without choice is no choice at all? Pain and suffering present us with a decision: will we follow God even when it means suffering for His sake?

   Philippians 1:29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

   There are numerous verses of Scripture that talk about suffering for the sake of Jesus. In fact, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12).

   Let’s be clear: it’s when we suffer for Him, not if we will suffer. There are various degrees of suffering for Jesus’ sake. It might be mockery or it could even include martyrdom, and everything in between. It may mean those to whom you were once close, walk away from you. Some of you have already experienced rejection for His sake. Take heart, our suffering serves as a witness to others. Enduring hardship, influences others for Jesus, as they witness it.

   By the way, this in no way means we’re supposed to chase after pain and suffering. That’s self-sabotage. Also, there’s a difference between suffering as a believer and suffering as a jerk. Meaning, if you get self-righteous and treat others poorly, when they retaliate, you are not being persecuted for righteousness sake. They are dishing out your just deserts, because of your bad behavior. It has nothing to do with following Jesus. “Oh, they tried to hurt me, because I’m a follower of Jesus.” No, they tried to hurt you, because you were being a jerk. Enough said!

Pain and Suffering will End

   Revelation 21:1-7 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

   And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He *said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” Then He said to me, “ It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.

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