Suffering
By Mike Rule 

Many people lay claims that people in the United States do not know what true suffering is because we have it so good compared to those in other countries where people are persecuted for their faith. While I understand where people are coming from, I struggle with these conclusions because they are all based in drawing comparisons and making judgments about circumstance. Man looks at the external, but God looks at the heart. The reality is that people EVERYWHERE are suffering, even here in the U.S. It is true that I have not been physically beaten for following Christ, but I have nonetheless suffered emotional torment at the hands of brothers and sisters who meant well but were clueless. Even more common are the internal struggles and suffering we all walk through, like depression, anxiety, relational trauma, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, etc. One of the biggest tormentors among those in the U.S. and other developed countries is the question, why do I hurt so much when I have it so good? We struggle with guilt over having "illegitimate" pain.

Comparing suffering is like comparing abuse. To say that internal suffering is not really suffering is like saying that physical abuse is true abuse while emotional abuse is not. Abuse is abuse; suffering is suffering. As I walk with the Lord I see believers in America suffering horribly. Some at the hands of legalism, some at the hands of others, others at the hands of their own internal wounds or emotions, and still others at the hands of health problems. The vehicles to deliver pain are limitless. The issue is not the FORM of the suffering, but rather the purpose of it and what it produces in us.

What is God's purpose in suffering? And we know we are going to get what's coming to us--an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with Him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with Him! That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. (Romans 8:17-18) God's purpose is to form the image of Christ in us, and in order to do that He has to use suffering to destroy our pride. I was recently counseling with someone who has been struggling with years of chronic pain. The Lord made it evident that she was ready to be asked a question: "Sister, if it wasn't for this pain in your life, what would it have taken to break your pride?" She pondered it a moment and responded, "The pain has been perfect, because without it I would never have been willing to let go of my image." Her pain brought brokenness and freedom from the bondage of living to people. If a person is unprepared to handle that question, bitterness and resentment (all rooted in unbroken pride) against God and life develop. But when the ground is fertile and ready, the person sees God's perfect plan through the suffering and is ready to receive it as tailor-made for his or her life. Paul said, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be the First-born among many brothers. But whom He predestinated, these He also called; and whom He called, those He also justified. And whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30)

In this world there will be suffering. We cannot escape it. Would we rather suffer with no purpose, or see God's purpose in suffering and see it accomplish His goals? For me, I would rather see the purpose in it and let God have His way in me through it. I have learned I would rather yield to it and get through it as quickly as I can instead of fighting it and prolonging the agony. There is nothing that will ever come into the life of a child of God that is not first filtered through His fingers of love. Beloved, do not be astonished at the fiery trial which is to try you, as though a strange thing happened to you, but rejoice according as you are partakers of Christ's suffering, so that when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12-13) 

Come quickly, Lord Jesus, and have Your way.