Suffering

1 Peter 4:16 "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."

Where is God when we are suffering?

Many people have asked that question. When God created us He made us perfect until sin was brought into the world. When sin was introduced, suffering followed. It is no longer a perfect world and we can all expect some suffering in our lives. Why is it that some people seem to suffer more than others? Why do some people have to endure constant pain and slow death from cancer? Why do Christian marriages break apart and cause suffering for adults and children? Those are questions that are hard to answer and mostly asked by agnostics or atheists. Suffering Christians have asked the same question and their faith is severely tested because of the suffering they endure.

You may question your spirituality if you are questioning God. That is a human trait but God knows and understands our questions. You see God sent Jesus to this earth to experience the same suffering we have to endure. Pain, disloyalty, and doubting followers, He experienced it all so He could experience what we will be called on to suffer. Think of the life of Jesus. He experienced the toils of life as we do and then betrayal as an adult. He knows what it feels like to face rejection. He spent 33 years walking among humans who were sick, depraved, and watched their suffering.

The final suffering was his painful and horrible death on the cross, betrayed by loved ones, and doubting followers. He made the choice to face the suffering His followers would eventually have to suffer so He could help us when we are facing trials and tribulations. Jesus no longer walks on this earth, yet He does use many tools and messengers to show His love for us. He is nearer to us than we know;. In fact, He is right beside us, suffering right along with us and helping us bear our burdens as well.

We may never know or understand why some people have more suffering than others, but the body of Christ does play the physical role of Jesus comforting his followers. Our spiritual leaders, and spiritual groups are instrumental in showing love and comforting us in our sorrow. We lay hands on people and pray for spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. The church and spiritual leaders are the instruments God uses to provide comfort, heal, and hold the hand of the suffering. We don't have all the answers to the why me question, but we do know we serve a God who can help us in our time of suffering.

1 Peter 4:19 "Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator."