Why Am I Suffering?

[Madre]

Suffering is such an enigma and I sure don't pretend to have all the answers. I do know that we always have to maintain a Biblical perspective or else our suffering seems at the best unfair and at the worst cruel. Of course, as adults we know life is unfair and that's what we teach out children. But, sometimes, when we're writhing in the fires of tribulation we truly think the hand we've been dealt is unfair and, well, that's just not fair. I don't exclude myself from this sentiment. Sometimes I just want to scream, "Unfair!" like anyone else, but, eventually, I have to get some hope from Him. To just focus on our circumstances will give us no comfort or hope, but sometimes, it seems that that is all we're able to do. Are there others who have gone through what we have gone through (or worse) who have found hope and comfort in Christ? And, really, where else can we go? Who else has the words of eternal life?

We have to always remember that we are truly strangers and pilgrims on this earth and that this planet isn't our home. We will never right all the wrongs, fix all the bad situations, or correct all the injustices. In fact, we aren't even called to do that, are we? But if we keep thinking like "earthlings" we will always be seeking to get comfortable here on earth. We aren't earthlings; our conversation (behavior) is in Heaven. (Ph. 3:20) We are seated "together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus". (Ep. 2:6)

Ok, we are "strangers and pilgrims", but why does it have to be so, so hard? Why do some trials go on and on? Why do I get through one, only to have another one following hard on its heels? Why does someone else seem to be living on Easy Street?

When the Lord called the Apostle Paul, He was upfront with him and gave Ananias these instructions:

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. (Ac 9:15-16)

When we are saved, the Scripture never promises a life of ease or even a happy life. God saves us, but doesn't pull any punches.

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; (Php 1:29)

Life with Christ will be difficult, but your suffering will never, never be in vain. He will always be with you as you suffer because He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. (He. 13:5) He knows of your tears and, in fact, He puts them in His bottle and in His book. (Ps. 56:8

He promises you:

*a Comforter. (John 14:16-18

*that if "we suffer, we shall also reign with Him." (2 Ti. 2:12) He is "bringing many sons to glory" (He. 2:9-11) and promises that we will be glorified. (Ro. 8:17)

*that if we partake in the sufferings, we shall also partake in the consolations. (2 Co. 1:5-7)

*that we will learn obedience through suffering. (He. 5:8

*that if we "are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1Pe 4:13)

*that "after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." (1Pe 5:10)

*that "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Ro 8:18