UNDERSTANDING SUFFERING THROUGH A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

Understanding the confusion of why Chriatian’s suffer can be seen in one of the greatest examples of the Bible—the apostle Paul. He is an example of how a child of God can live a faithful life and cope with difficult circumstances. He had a “thorn in the flesh” about which he prayed to God.

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

From this passage of Scripture, Paul reveals at least two important points about suffering as a Christian which helps one to develop a never give up attitude. First, God’s grace doesn’t exclude suffering. Second, a Christian’s strength is made perfect through suffering. 

The apostle Peter also relates this idea in his first epistle: “By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand” (1 Peter 5:12). The brethren to whom Peter is writing are suffering greatly but he encourages them to “greatly rejoice” (1 Peter 1:6-7). They are encouraged to “be glad also with exceeding joy” and “not be ashamed” (1 Peter 4:13, 16). Ultimately, he states, suffering as a Christian will “make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:10)

Ultimately, the greatest example for a Christian concerning having a never give up attitude would be the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Also, we understand that He is the greatest example because He is the perfect example as stated in the book of Hebrews: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus faced difficulties daily during his public ministry on earth. He never gave up. His focus was, “…to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34).

No matter what difficulty a Christian might face in life, with Jesus as our example, God’s grace and our unwavering faith (James 1:6), we can have complete confidence that we can overcome the world whether it be a spiritual or physical adversity (1 John 5:4). The inspired word of God is the only book capable of providing these things for our understanding as a Christian (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17).