How to Respond to Suffering
Romans 8:38,39 "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Everyone will face seasons of suffering, Christians and non-Christians alike. Sometimes the season of suffering is very long, possibly until the day God takes us home to be with him. Grief may include the loss of a loved one, illness, divorce, disillusionment, temptation, or the consequences of sin—to name a few. We all must evaluate how to respond to our suffering.
Whatever the cause, mishandling life’s trials can produce bitterness, pride, disillusionment, and fear—rather than the faith, character, strength, and endurance that God wants to provide.
God wants to strengthen our life message by suffering well through providing victory over personal suffering. Here are some practical suggestions for dealing with your grief:
1. Remember that God controls everything. He is Sovereign.
Everything that happens in my life and this world is under the umbrella of His sovereignty. There is also nothing in my life that he does not know about. God is omnipotent or all-knowing. Nothing takes him by surprise. Job suffered a terrible loss in his life, but God had a hedge about Job limiting the destruction. God purposed to draw Job into a deeper understanding of who He was. He would learn that focusing on God produces an enduring faith. (Job 1:10, 20-22; 42:5) In God’s timing, Job emerged victoriously. God promises that every event in our lives will work for our good to transform us into the likeness of His Son. (Romans 8:28-29) We understand and are enabled to comfort others by receiving God’s loving comfort and grace during our sufferings (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). We can pray, “I trust in thee, O Lord—Thou art my God—my times are in thy hand.” (Psalm 32:14-15) Our lives are made fruitful by the pruning shears of a loving Father. (John 15:2)
2. Focus on the person and presence of the Lord Jesus.
Faith is trusting in the person of Jesus Christ and His Holy Word. (Hebrews 11:6, 13:5-6) Do not focus your attention (and emotions) on yourself and yours, the circumstance, or your offender. If we focus on the offender or event, that will emotionally dictate and control our lives. Immerse yourself in Scripture and make prayer a priority. Paul charged Timothy: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned......the Holy Scriptures, which can make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:14-15) Be honest with God about your pain but surrender your desires and choose to trust Him — whatever the answer may be. Pray for acceptance, strength, and the desire to seek God’s will in all things. Look to Christ and love Him with all your heart, mind, and soul. Faith in God brings contentment in every circumstance. (Philippians 4:11-13)
3. Commit the situation to God.
We must trust God and accept that he is a Sovereign God regardless of what we think or feel. If you do not believe in the sovereignty of God, you will drive yourself crazy with questions. God is in charge of the situation and will work for our good when we trust him (Romans 8:28). When calamity comes, we must commit the problem to him. If someone hurts us deeply, he knows and loves us, and we must turn the hurtful situation to Him.
4. Forgive all offenders from the heart.
Forgiveness is not a feeling; it is an act of will. Many do not “feel” like forgiving when others hurt them. We must forgive (Matthew 18:34-35; Hebrews 12:15) to keep our focus on the Lord, receive His enduring power and provision, and avoid spiritual torment. Forgiveness is not letting the offender off the hook. But it is releasing them to God. It is trusting God to deal with that person in His wise and just way as only He can do. In doing this, we deny Satan a foothold in our lives.
5. Ask God to forgive you if you have failed.
We may suffer because we have made bad choices following our wisdom and sinful will. When personal failures occur, ask for and accept God’s forgiveness. (1 John 1:9) Continuing thoughts of “what if” and “if only” will bring unnecessary torment. God is faithful, and He forgives sin. Do not despise God’s discipline in the continuing consequences of your sin. Allow them to deepen your humility and dependency on Jesus Christ.
6. Find God’s clear direction and obey it.
What are your choices? You can resist the circumstances, and question God’s wisdom (a victim mentality), or you can pour yourself into Bible study and prayer and faithfully obey Him. God will give us His direction through the Holy Spirit and His Word when we choose to listen and follow. We must give God control, looking diligently for His will. It might include more suffering. (Luke 9:23) But God extends His grace and peace to His faithful during their trials and suffering. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). The question is not “How long will this last?” but rather “How do I choose to respond?”
Thank you for your prayers and continued support in helping hurting people. I pray that the Lord will use these emails to encourage and help you in your walk with Jesus!
Blessings,
Jeff