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This is hard. This may be the hardest part of our walk with God. Learning obedience through suffering (LOTS), but hopefully the lessons of obedience will be learnt in a timely manner in order to be refined and ready for perfection. Whatever God decides to allow in our lifetime now in order for any one of us to be in His Kingdom as faithful members and part of the God family living for eternity is, as we know, right, as God is always right. We can experience great peace in knowing God's righteous will, no matter how long we may need to suffer, for there can be great purpose in suffering. Of course suffering would be our first choice in avoidance because it is far from being pleasant, and it is indeed uncomfortable at best, incredibly difficult at worst. As the apostle Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:3 "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ". This is also for us by extension. Hardship can relate to so many conditions and suffering is definitely included under this banner or heading.
The last three months have been incredibly difficult, full of tests and trials, back-to-back, coming at me with full force. Physical, mental, emotional, financial, and even spiritual, threatening to avalanche in a tsunami-like attack by the enemy. It is no stretch of the imagination to hear the devil say "Take that, whammy!" "And another, but wait there's more!" "I'm not finished with you yet". "Oh no, I am only just beginning to have some fun with you". "Just as you are recovering from that illness, here have another". "Learn to experience pain as your new friend". "Say hello to suffering as I want you to get down on your knees begging me for release". Thankfully, as each trial came there was no knowledge or indication that there would be others on the way, and for that I am truly grateful. As I cried out to God for help He gave me exactly what was needed each time. Scriptures spoke clearly giving insight, comfort, and encouragement. Sermons gave important information to draw from in order to listen to God's specific instructions which were full of inspiration. We are incredibly blessed to be able to access these as part of our lifeline to God. Here is a link from an incredible sermon that held my attention and gave me valuable help: https://www.ucg.org/sermons/resurrection-and-eternal-judgment. May you also benefit too.
Suffering, along with old age, as they say, is not for the weak or faint hearted. We may feel spiritually strong but so many of us do feel physically weaker as we age into our senior years. This year the pre Feast trials (Feast of Tabernacles) have come much earlier and some are still there. Yet, despite all the stress, there is the helpful knowledge that things will change. Taking one day at a time, focussing on that particular day, today, just get through today and tomorrow will take care of itself as it is written in Matthew 6:31-34 "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble". Suffering often brings with it worry about our circumstances and concern for self and loved ones. Learning to let go of worry and stress by praying to God is of paramount importance (Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 73:23-26, Isaiah 41:10-13).
Somehow God makes possible what for us is impossible and has restored my joy while suffering. Each Sabbath is celebrated even more wholeheartedly, which I did not know was possible but now that I am living it, this is truly evident. Then He has given me the "fever" again, Feast Fever, for which there is no suffering involved. However hard and long they may be, these trials are best dealt with as learning opportunities given by a loving Father who knows best and there is no doubt that God is there, watching my every response, eagerly desiring the positive outcome of overcoming adversity. While my present sufferings are a long way from what Job endured, God is definitely giving me deep solace to know that we are never alone and that He is always there (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8, Joshua 1:5, 9, Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20). Hebrews 12:5-6 "...My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives". Along with the book of Job, Hebrews 12 is an excellent source of comfort and encouragement bearing in mind what God has ultimately in mind for us. Hebrews 12:11 continues with further comfort "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".
It is good to know that through all these temporary sufferings there is a perfect reminder from the apostle Paul who endured many hardships and sufferings. When we think of those who went before us and suffered, Paul is right up there along with Job. Paul was inspired to write for us Romans 8:18 "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". We must think on and keep in mind the end goal in order to get through this present time of suffering no matter the type of or amount of sufferings in trials. The apostle Peter was also no stranger to suffering and wrote under divine inspiration 1 Peter 4:12-13 "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". We may remember that Satan asked to sift Peter as it is written in Luke 22:31. Have you ever felt like you are being tested to your limits, sifted in the most difficult of trials with suffering that does not ever seem to quit and is relentless, wearing you out, pushing you down under the crushing weight of oppression? Just remember scripture says in 1 Corinthians 10:13 "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".
So then what should we do? Best to turn the focus outwards instead of on oneself. Along the way in our walk with God we can actually get to the point of turning many trials and sufferings into meaningful joy by looking to the most perfect example from our Saviour, Jesus the Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation". How good is it to know that by suffering, this will help others in the future because we can relate. Christ suffered for us and now we must endure too. During all these trials there is one scripture that cut through the pain of suffering very effectively which is provided here, once again from Hebrews. Hebrews 5:8-9 "Though He was a Son [Jesus Christ], yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him…".
Summarily we see that these present day sufferings are full of great purpose for humbling and perfecting us through correction to ensure we will endure to the end, for we are getting so close now. We gain stronger faith and love for our Father knowing His plan for all of humanity, and we enter into a much deeper relationship with our Creator. Paul and Timothy address God's people in the book of Philippians and then go on to say in Philippians 1:6 "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…". We are being transformed through trials and sufferings while learning obedience, and the finishing touches in completion are necessary to enter the Kingdom of God. Bring on and hasten that day for Christ's triumphant return as we eagerly await the change in leadership, governance, and rulership. Here is an online sermonette link God brought my attention to after writing the bulk of this piece. It certainly adds further scriptures for our admonition, learning, and development on this topic. https://www.ucg.org/sermons/why-do-gods-people-suffer-0