When God's People Suffer

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Why do God' People Suffer?
First of all we must realize that suffering is directly related to the falleness of this world. There was no suffering before sin. We interpret Scripture to say that suffering is part of the complex judgement of the world. So, one might say, it is a part of life. That sounds synical, but it really isn't.
Behind the pre-mentioned question always stands the holiness of God and His perfect righteousness and will. God allows suffering as part of His judgement-but He also uses it for our redemption to shape and build our character and faith.
And, Satan's assaults can bring suffering.
Christ addresses this issue in I Pet.2:20-He is asked whether it was the blind man's sin or his parent's that he was born blind. Christ says, neither. But those asking the question were trying to reduce it to two options. Sometimes it is not one of those reasons. Sometimes it is for reasons beyond our understanding.
Regardless of why we suffer, the end result is the same and is governed by our choice and action. We can rest in the Lord, or turn to bitterness. As we linger in those states of pain or grief, we can have joy. No, the Lord does not expect us to rejoice in those sorrows-as some believe. We can have joy through sorrows. The joy comes in knowing that His will is perfect and He will never forsake us. It is a joy that is found in something more permanent- it is peace, a peace that only God's people can find. It is a peace and joy that comes from knowing that He knows all things, and every thought of every man and woman.... even the most secret thoughts. He knows all the circumstances, and most of all, He knows how to turn things around today so that the best will come to us tomorrow, even when it looks like chaos. Our joy comes in knowing that there is an eternity of unbelievable riches when our journey here is over. Our joy comes from that inner peace that passes all understanding.
It is our obedience and faithfulness that gives us joy-not our lot in life. Romans 8:28
Phil.4:11-12

What can we expect from God in regards to healing and removing a difficult situation?
Often times I have seen a little note posted on walls in a pastor's study, or someone's kitchen. "Expect a miracle!" it reads. If a miracle is something we can expect in every situation-like we expect the postman everyday, it ceases to be miraculous. It is no longer extraordinary and it no longer does the job that a miracle was designed to do. That is to call attention to an astonishing way that God intervenes. No, I'm not being a pessimist. {On the other hand, God does tell us in the New Testament that we are to bring the sick to Him in prayer. James 5:14-15}

What can we expect?
We can expect God to be merciful because He promises mercy. God's people can expect salvation and Heaven at the end of our journey. We can expect Him to be present in times of troubles. We can expect Him to take our prayers seriously. We can expect Him to ALWAYS do what is best for us even when it does not seem that way. He has promised not to give us more than He knows we can bear. But He has not promised to heal all the sick or remove all the trials all the time. And, we can not expect something from God that He has not categorically promised in every situation.
Our responsibility in suffering.
Our responsibility in suffering is the same as in quiet times. We are to remain faithful. It doesn't mean we do not cry out. It doesn't mean we do not ask God to remove the burden. It does mean we must trust in His will for our life and in His sovereignty, knowing that He is a loving, perfect Father that brings us repeatedly back to the thoughts expressed in Romans 8:28.

Psalm 139
Pslam 23

What is our responsibility to the suffering?

First and foremost, we must not judge. We are not called to judge and we are often ensnared in the judgement trap. Matt.7:1 We are not called to give our opinion as to why the sufferer is suffering. All too often on-lookers will surmize that the person suffering must be gravely out of step with God. But what about Job? There was no one more pure of heart than he and still suffering came to his life. We must keep in mind that although suffering in general is the result of the fall, suffering for an individual isn't always due to God's judgement on them. Sometimes we suffer because another person's sin or bitterness. We have no way of really knowing why a person suffers and that is why God warns us about judging. Our basic posture as God's people is to bring consolation, kindness, support, and charity. If they hunger, we feed them regardless of why they suffer. We are never called to judge.

God is our refuge in troubled times...

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