SUFFERING

SUFFERING

With the fall of mankind came suffering on the earth.

So the Lord God said to the serpent: 

"Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, 

And more than every beast of the field; 

On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. 

And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, 

And between your seed and her Seed; 

He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel." 

To the woman He said: "I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; 

In pain you shall bring forth children; 

Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you." 

Then to Adam He said, "Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, 

and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, 

saying, 'You shall not eat of it': 

"Cursed is the ground for your sake; 

In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. 

Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, 

And you shall eat the herb of the field. 

In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread 

Till you return to the ground, 

For out of it you were taken; 

For dust you are, And to dust you shall return."
Genesis 3:14-19

Man has separated himself from GOD and everyone is born with a rebellious sinful nature.

The earth is cursed. 

The whole world is under the sway of the evil one, the devil.

There is the suffering of material need. We experience physical illnesses, discomfort and varying degrees of pain in our bodies. Then there is emotional trauma when our loved ones suffer. Rejection and broken relationships cause much anguish. Satanic oppression results in slavery to demonic powers leaving a person confused and helpless against the powers of darkness.

The LORD JESUS suffered to save us from eternal suffering. 

GOD sent His own Son into the world to take on the curse on Himself and suffer for the sake of restoring man to GOD.

 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, 

that He might bring us to God, 

being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 

1 Peter 3:18 

 Who has believed our report? 
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 
For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, 
And as a root out of dry ground. 
He has no form or comeliness; 
And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. 
He is despised and rejected by men, 
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. 
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; 
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 
Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; 
Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 
But He was wounded for our transgressions, 
He was bruised for our iniquities; 
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, 
And by His stripes we are healed. 
All we like sheep have gone astray; 
We have turned, every one, to his own way; 
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 
He was oppressed and He was afflicted, 
Yet He opened not His mouth; 
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, 
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, 
So He opened not His mouth. 
He was taken from prison and from judgment, 
And who will declare His generation? 
For He was cut off from the land of the living; 
For the transgressions of My people He was stricken. 
And they made His grave with the wicked-
- But with the rich at His death, 
Because He had done no violence, 
Nor was any deceit in His mouth. 
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; 
He has put Him to grief. 
When You make His soul an offering for sin, 
He shall see His seed, 
He shall prolong His days, 
And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. 
He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. 
By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, 
For He shall bear their iniquities. 
Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, 
And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, 
Because He poured out His soul unto death, 
And He was numbered with the transgressors, 
And He bore the sin of many, 
And made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53:1-12

As Followers of JESUS, we suffer in the process of dying to self and Living for CHRIST. 

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, 

arm yourselves also with the same mind, 

for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 

  that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh 

for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 

1 Peter 4:1-2 

For what credit is it if, 

when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? 

But when you do good and suffer, 

if you take it patiently, 

this is commendable before God. 

For to this you were called, 

because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, 

that you should follow His steps: 
1 Peter 2:20-21 

Yet indeed I also count all things loss 

for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, 

for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, 

and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 

Philippians 3:8

 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, 

which is to them a proof of perdition, 

but to you of salvation, and that from God. 

For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, 

not only to believe in Him, 

but also to suffer for His sake, 

Philippians 1:28-29 

Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, 

was raised from the dead according to my gospel, 

for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, 

even to the point of chains; 

but the word of God is not chained. 

2 Timothy 2:8-9 

 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, 

nor of me His prisoner, 

but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel 

according to the power of God, 

  who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, 

not according to our works, 

but according to His own purpose and grace 

which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 

  but has now been revealed 

by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, 

who has abolished death 

and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 

  to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, 

and a teacher of the Gentiles. 

  For this reason I also suffer these things; 

nevertheless I am not ashamed, 

for I know whom I have believed 

and am persuaded that He is able to keep 

what I have committed to Him until that Day.

2 Timothy 1:8-12

We should rejoice when we suffer for the sake of CHRIST.

 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, 

and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, 

for great is your reward in heaven, 

for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:11-12 

Beloved, do not think it strange 

concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, 

as though some strange thing happened to you; 

  but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, 

that when His glory is revealed, 

you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 

  If you are reproached for the name of Christ, 

blessed are you, 

for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 

On their part He is blasphemed, 

but on your part He is glorified. 

1 Peter 4:12-14

And who is he who will harm you 

if you become followers of what is good? 

  But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, 

you are blessed. 

"And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." 

  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, 

and always be ready to give a defense to everyone 

who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, 

with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, 

that when they defame you as evildoers, 

those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 
1 Peter 3:13-16

Avoid unnecessary suffering that follows foolish and evil deeds.

  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, 

a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 

  Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, 

let him not be ashamed, 

but let him glorify God in this matter. 

  For the time has come 

for judgment to begin at the house of God; 

and if it begins with us first, 

what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 

  Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, 

Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" 

  Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God 

commit their souls to Him in doing good, 

as to a faithful Creator. 

1 Peter 4:15-19

  For it is better, if it is the will of God, 

to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 

1 Peter 3:17 

We shouldn't fall into the trap of picking the easy way out with the purpose of escaping suffering. 

As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, 

these would compel you to be circumcised, 

only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 

Galatians 6:12

There are times, we need to choose the path of suffering.

By faith Moses, when he became of age, 

refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 

choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God 

than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 

esteeming the reproach of Christ 

greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; 

for he looked to the reward. 
Hebrews 11:24-26

Moulding of our Character causes suffering.

 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; 

nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness 

to those who have been trained by it. 
Hebrews 12:11 

 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, 
knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 
and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 
Now hope does not disappoint, 
because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts 
by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:3-5

Imagine a lump of clay being moulded and shaped in the hands of a potter. If that lump of clay could feel and speak, it would cry out in pain! In the natural, the process of moulding is not pleasant, but painful and the natural reaction is to resist it. But if we understand the purpose for this moulding of character, we will be able to rejoice when it happens.

But may the God of all grace, 

who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, 

after you have suffered a while, 

perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 

1 Peter 5:10 

Many women bear much pain while going through beauty treatments. They yield themselves to willingly go through such physical discomfort and pain because they are looking forward to the outcome of becoming more beautiful physically! For them, the hope of looking more pretty is worth all the pain in the process of the treatment by the beautician!

The painful process could be a difficult physical condition or sickness, emotional stress brought about by the death of a loved one or the sickness of a close relative, financial situation, issues at work and so on. Very often the moulding takes place through relationships. The weaknesses in the spouse is a good character moulding tool! It could also be a family member, a neighbour or a workmate who is difficult to get on with. Rather than hitting back at that individual, we should ask the LORD to teach us and mould us with patience and prayer. If we continue to do this diligently, we will be amazed at the outcome - in ourselves first, and then in due time, in the other person involved!!

When any opportunity is given to a group of little kids and they are asked, "Who wants to go first?" We often hear, "Me first" or "I want to go first." Very rarely do we hear one say, "Let him go first." Similarly, while handling difficult relationships, let our attitude be, 'Let me be the one to change first. Let me be moulded first'!

Temptations cause suffering. 

 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, 

for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, 

that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. 

For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, 

in bringing many sons to glory, 

to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 

...Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, 

He Himself likewise shared in the same, 

that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, 

that is, the devil, 

and release those who through fear of death 

were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 

For indeed He does not give aid to angels, 

but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 

Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, 

that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest 

in things pertaining to God, 

to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 

For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, 

He is able to aid those who are tempted. 

Hebrews 2:9-10,14-18 

 No temptation has overtaken you 

except such as is common to man; 

but God is faithful, 

who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, 

but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, 

that you may be able to bear it. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 

When we are tempted, we should pray to the LORD and diligently seek to understand His way by studying His word and heeding the voice of the Holy Spirit. Then we will find the way of escape He has already made for us.

Testing of our faith causes suffering.

 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, 

you have been grieved by various trials, 

that the genuineness of your faith, 

being much more precious than gold that perishes, 

though it is tested by fire, 

may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 

whom having not seen you love. 

Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, 

you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 

receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls. 

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, 

who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 

searching what, or what manner of time, 

the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating 

when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ 

and the glories that would follow. 

1 Peter 1:6-11 

James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, 

To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: 

Greetings. 

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 

knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 

But let patience have its perfect work, 

that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 

James 1:1-4 

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. 

Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, 

that you may be tested, 

and you will have tribulation ten days. 

Be faithful until death, 

and I will give you the crown of life. 

Revelation 2:10

We Suffer with others in the Body of CHRIST.

 that there should be no schism in the body, 

but that the members should have the same care for one another. 

And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; 

or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 

Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
1 Corinthians 12:25-27

Because we are a part of the Body of CHRIST, we suffer with those brethren who go through pain and persecution. We stand with each other to intercede for one another, pray and encourage and support and help in difficult times. We are supported by our Christian brethren when we go through suffering.

The way to overcome suffering.

 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. 
In the world you will have tribulation; 
but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
John 16:33 

We overcome suffering by abiding in JESUS because He has overcome the world.

We must call on the LORD and pray and listen to what He is saying to us in the midst of the tribulation and pain. He will carry us through and bring us our victoriously!

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. 

Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 

James 5:13

 The pains of death surrounded me, 

And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me; 

I found trouble and sorrow. 
Then I called upon the name of the Lord: 

"O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!"
For You have delivered my soul from death, 

My eyes from tears, And my feet from falling.
Psalm 116:3-4, 8

Joy of the reward. 

 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 

let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, 

and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, 

who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, 

despising the shame, 

and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2 

That is the example the LORD JESUS set for us to follow. The joy of the reward enables us to endure the cross.

There is Suffering during GOD'S Judgements on earth.

 For when they say, "Peace and safety!" 

then sudden destruction comes upon them, 

as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. 

And they shall not escape.

1 Thessalonians 5:3 

And they will be afraid. 

Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them; 

They will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; 

They will be amazed at one another; 

Their faces will be like flames. 

Behold, the day of the Lord comes, 

Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, 

To lay the land desolate; 

And He will destroy its sinners from it.
Isaiah 13:8-9

GOD has to cleanse and change this corrupt earth to create a new heaven and a new earth. Therefore He brings judgement on all people and all of creation. This shaking process will be a time of great tribulation before His glory is manifested on earth. Everything that is evil will be destroyed.

 For then there will be great tribulation, 

such as has not been 

since the beginning of the world until this time, 

no, nor ever shall be. 

And unless those days were shortened, 

no flesh would be saved; 

but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.
Matthew 24:21-22

We persevere through suffering with the Hope of the glory of GOD. 

 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit 
that we are children of God, 
and if children, then heirs-
-heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, 
if indeed we suffer with Him, 
that we may also be glorified together. 
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time 
are not worthy to be compared with the glory 
which shall be revealed in us. 
For the earnest expectation of the creation 
eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 
For the creation was subjected to futility, 
not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 
because the creation itself also will be delivered 
from the bondage of corruption 
into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 
For we know that the whole creation groans and labors 
with birth pangs together until now. 
Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, 
even we ourselves groan within ourselves, 
eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
Romans 8:16-23 

Basically, suffering is because we live in this world that is separated from GOD, with a sinful nature within us.

GOD'S way of salvation is His own Son the LORD JESUS CHRIST, the Messiah, the Redeemer, Who suffered on this earth on behalf of sinful mankind.

Those who receive His salvation, while avoiding unnecessary suffering, still suffer in the process of denying self, and being moulded into the shape that is fit for heaven. They suffer in this world of sin, coping with temptations, enduring the testing of their faith, and persecution from unbelievers. But through it all they experience the deep peace of the Presence of GOD, the grace of GOD that gives them the enabling strength to endure and the living hope through the love of GOD in their hearts, of the eternal reward of glory that fills them with joy!

Those who choose this path of salvation enter heaven at the end of their life on earth, heaven where there is absolutely no suffering, because we would live in the very Presence of the Living GOD Who created us with the purpose of living in His love!

Those who reject such great an offer will follow the path of destruction after death. They will enter the place of eternal torment because of the curse of being separated from the Living, Loving Almighty GOD!

 Suffering in Eternity. 

as Sodom and Gomorrah, 

and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, 

having given themselves over to sexual immorality 

and gone after strange flesh, 

are set forth as an example, 

suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 

Jude 1:7

 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, 
for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. 
Also there was no more sea. 
Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, 
coming down out of heaven from God, 
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 
"Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, 
and He will dwell with them, 
and they shall be His people. 
God Himself will be with them and be their God. 
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; 
there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. 
There shall be no more pain, 
for the former things have passed away."
Revelation 21:1-4

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