When it comes to suffering, there are many questions people might ask. “What is suffering?” “Why do people suffer?” “Is there any benefit to suffering?” “Does everyone suffer?” “Does a person suffer because he sinned?” “Do Christians suffer?” “Is there a place for hope when one is suffering?” “Are all people who suffer unhappy while suffering?” “What should be a Christian’s perspective on suffering?”
Suffering can come at almost any time or any place, and it is a respecter of no man. Jesus said that God “…makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45 NKJV). Good times and bad times will come upon all men. It is important to understand that being a Christian is not a remedy to suffering. In fact, it may cause one to endure greater suffering.
Suffering can come in many different forms. It can come in the form of sickness, injury, troublesome times or lacking the necessities of life. Yet, suffering is not to be confused with lacking wealth or not being able to fulfill all of one’s desires. A person who suffers is a person who is truly in need.
Perspective plays an important role in how a person endures suffering. Have you ever known an individual who had a major disease but was still one of the happiest people you knew? Have you ever heard of a person who truly believed the greatest blessing they ever received was a period of suffering? These are the people who understand something very important about suffering. They understand that a person’s physical situation does not define who he is. Suffering can teach us contentment and the true value of life. One of the greatest examples I have ever witnessed of someone who was truly content in her sufferings was a Christian sister who had terminal cancer. In addition, two of her daughters had cystic fibrosis.
Her perspective was that God loved her, knew what was best for her and He would take care of her through her suffering. She was able to maintain this perspective because she loved God and studied her Bible regularly. She never failed to worship God when she was physically able. The question could be asked, “Why her?” There is no specific reason why. What must be remembered is God will take care of His children during their times of suffering.
People may think that they could never be this kind of person, but God is the source of the strength needed to carry on. It comes from faith in God, hope of eternity, knowledge of the Scriptures and an understanding of reality. The Psalmist, when beset by trouble and while observing the wicked being blessed physically, lost his perspective. Still, though, he understood reality when he went to the sanctuary of God (Psalm 73:14–16). Paul said that in all things, because of Christ, he was able to be content (Philippians 4:11–13). Suffering is always difficult, but for the Christian, there is assurance and hope that resides in an undying faith and love for God.
