Lorenzo Palon

"Dear friends, do not be surprised by the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." - 1Peter 4:12 (ISV)

It seems odd that Christians suffer while bad people seem to have an easy life. It’s odd to see some of the kindest and most virtuous people in pain, dying of cancer, dealing with poverty, being misunderstood, and facing hatred. But the passage seems to say that it would be even stranger if it didn’t happen. Let me cite some biblical reasons why Christians suffer, rather, must suffer:

• The fallen state of the world is characterized by rebellion. It’s not surprising that those loyal to the appointed leader (Jesus) are encountering resistance from the opposing forces. This was bound to happen. (Genesis 3; Psalm 107:11; Ezekiel 20:8)ISV)
• If Jesus experienced suffering, it’s understandable for His followers to experience it as well. (Luke 24:25-26; Acts 3:18; 1 Peter 2:20-25; Hebrews 5.8-9)
• The journey home is not always easy. If everyone liked us and no one said anything mean, we might wonder if we were doing the right thing. Just like mountaineers look for posts to guide them on a treacherous ascent, Christians can see they are following the path of the Church when people oppose their faith in Jesus Christ. (Matthew 10:38; Matthew 16:24; Galatians 6:14)
• There is a reason for this suffering. It is designed by the great Creator. Many may have prayed for personal growth and the answer has come through difficult experiences, guided by God, even though they may have come from the actions of others. This is the only way to remove the selfishness from our nature. (Romans 5:2-6; Heb. 12:10-11; James 1:3-4)
• Look until the end. His greatness will be shown to us! His pain makes us look forward to that happy day. Too much comfort might make u s feel too comfortable, so we might not eagerly reach out for our hope of glory. (1 John 3:2-3; Romans 8:22-25;
• We are consoled for such pain by the presence of the Spirit of glory. When such pain weighs heavily on the soul, God ensures that it is not left empty. What is taken away externally is replenished from within. Like water being poured on a fire from one side of the wall, a bright angel on the other side pours in oil through a tiny opening, until the flame bursts forth strongly. Oh, the compensations that are ours! The Jews who walk the streets of Tangier and other Moorish towns, facing hatred from the people, are said to have beautifully furnished rooms within their seemingly ordinary homes, where they surround themselves with every luxury. Similarly, as the spiritual person turns from human hatred to the special gifts of God, they are compensated many times over. When we have the least human love, we have the most of God’s love. (John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:16)

Frankly, I myself wonder why there’s so much suffering and pain in the world, and it feels like God isn’t listening to our prayers. The reason for this could be that we don’t fully understand what God is trying to achieve. We tend to measure success and happiness based on our own comfort and long life, but God’s priorities are different. Our culture often teaches us to focus on ourselves and our own satisfaction, but God sees the bigger picture. The reality is that this life is not the end of the story. There’s more to come. Despite the hardships we face, Jesus can use our suffering to bring about good things for His kingdom and bring glory to Himself. So even though there’s pain and difficulties, there’s a greater purpose at work.

Amidst the trials that burden us all, we must rise with unwavering testimony – the unyielding faith in the midst of crisis. As death and bankruptcy loom menacingly, we must emulate Job’s resilience and boldly proclaim, “Though He slay me, yet will I serve Him!” It is through this resolute stand that the fallen world may finally listen.