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And because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me--to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. (NASB) 2 Cor. 12:7-10 |
This is another reason we suffer, especially for those actively serving the Lord in ministry. Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was a constant reminder to not sin. It was a humbling way to suffer.
Growth. The other reason Christians suffer is a reason some Christians do not want to accept. A well known preacher recently said that Job suffered because he had sinned. But that is not what the Bible says. Listen to the very first verse in Job before anything happened.
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There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job, and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God, and turning away from evil. (NASB) Job 1:1 |
He is described as blameless. Then eight verses later God Himself says that Job was blameless.
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And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.” (NASB) Job 1:8 |
Then God allows Satan to inflict suffering on Job (Job 1:9-21). Job lost his home, cattle, children - every earthly possession he had, except for his wife. Most of us would have complained and sinned but not Job. Scripture says that he did not sin. God even tells Satan that Job did not sin. Job did not suffer because he sinned.
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Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God. (NASB) Job 1:22
And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man fearing God and turning away from evil. And he still holds fast his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to ruin him without cause.” (NASB) Job 2:3 |
His wife complained later and Job did sin - LATER. Why did Job suffer? He suffered for two reasons - the glory of God and for personal growth. In the end God doubled his wealth, but more importantly Job understood God.
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I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees Thee . . . (NASB) Job 42:5 |
Now that is an exciting spiritual growth.
Conclusion: Bad things happen to Christians for one basic reason. God is more interested in our holiness than in our comfort. He is calling us to be like Him!
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As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” (NASB) 1 Peter 1:14-16 |
Let's be like Him! |
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