Our worldview will determine how we deal with suffering

If your baseline for identifying objective truth is found in the Jesus of the Bible … then this is what the Apostle Paul says about suffering in Romans 8:16-19:

“The Spirit Himself testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.”

I don’t know about you, but delayed gratification does not come naturally to me! That’s why the assurance from God’s word is such an integral part of my day-to-day life. I know that I can rely on the fact that He always knows what’s best for me. Especially during the times (and even seasons) when I wish my circumstances would be more comfortable & much easier than they are.

1 Peter 4:12-14 says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you. But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, keep on rejoicing, so that when His glory is revealed, you may rejoice with great joy. If you are insulted and reviled for [bearing] the name of Christ, you are blessed [happy, with life-joy and comfort in God’s salvation regardless of your circumstances], because the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you [and indwelling you—He whom they curse, you glorify].”

Since the reality of suffering is unavoidable as we all live in a fallen world … it all boils down to where we put our trust!

For those who have thus far chosen not to trust in the Lord with all their heart, and who decide to lean on their own understanding, and who choose not to acknowledge Him in all their ways … I encourage them to challenge God to reveal Himself to them while there’s still time. May you open up your heart and your mind, as it’s the Lord’s desire that everyone would be saved, and all will come to the knowledge of the truth!

For those of us who have placed our trust and our faith in Jesus, may we view each trial, and every hardship, and all the times of suffering, as temporary times of testing that we can embrace and know that we’re never ever alone. God has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us!