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. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse. But with eager hope."
The Apostle Paul__Romans 8:18-20
When people contact our office for help they are suffering. Even though we all experience suffering, it is not always easy to find understanding. At IBCC we provide our clients a safe place to find help. As they process through their grief we always remind them of God's love for them as a child of God.
Our clients suffer in many different ways.
Death of a spouse, child, family member, friend
Chronic health problems
Job loss
Abuse (sexual, physical, emotional, spiritual)
Addictions
Habitual sin
Fear disorders (OCD, anxiety, PTSD)
Psychological disorders
Divorce / separation
Marriage problems
Persecution
Relational conflicts
False teaching
Occult
Suffering in this life is inevitable. As a counselor, I help our clients make sense of how God is using it in their life for growth. Here are several considerations that help us better understand suffering in our life.
Suffering is the natural consequence of sin's impact on God's creation. Genesis 3:16-19
Suffering can impact any area of our life regardless of how hard we try to protect ourselves from it. Psalms 34:19
Suffering is necessary to help us apply the scriptures in our lives. Romans 5:3-5
Suffering moves us past our intellectual understanding of biblical truth into the present reality of application. James 1:22-25
Suffering is most beneficial when the pain of grief brings us into a greater dependency on Christ. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Suffering in our lives has redemptive purposes. 1 Peter 4:1
Suffering helps the body of Christ bond together and demonstrate Christ's love for each other. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
We must learn to accept suffering in our lives and respond to it as God desires (suffering well). 1 Peter 5:6-10
Many of our clients are working through some very difficult things in their life. I am honored to walk alongside them. Thank you for your prayers and financial support.
May the grace of God strengthen you in these difficult days!
Jeff