Emotional Suffering: Pressing Through Pain with Purposeful Expectancy

Some western Christian cultures embrace and exemplify an inadequate theology of suffering by taking scripture out of context. For example, a verse in the Gospel of John, “… ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you …” is often a go-to scripture for quick solutions to complex problems. Some sinners experience suffering;” and “When Christians do suffer, it is a direct result of some type of egregious sin.” The role of suffering in scripture must be considered within the full context of the Bible. The name-it and claim-it, blab-it and grab-it theology does not take into consideration a key point made by the Apostle John. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth (remain attached) in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.” Suffering produces fruit if the sufferer abides in the Lord. The Book of Isaiah provides a few examples of fruit production in this verse. “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” All suffering cannot and should not be tied directly to sin. Pastors, teachers, ministers, believers, and even non-believers should refrain from making misleading statements to oneself and others. Even where sin is present, the focus is on the grace and love of God shining in the midst of suffering rather than focusing on the sin itself.11 The prophet Isaiah speaks of God’s sovereignty and reminds us of our finite understanding: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and neither are your ways my ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” As Christians grow in spiritual maturity, they will eventually learn to expect suffering as encouraged by the Apostle Peter. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; But rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
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Author/Artist:Ferguson, Dr. Beverly
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