Some Benefits of Suffering
Bob Waldron
There is no problem in life more universal, more common, and more unique than that of suffering. It is the common malady of mankind; if we live long enough, we will experience some type or degree of suffering. It is not my purpose in this article to discuss the source or origin of suffering. While it is a baffling question, many good articles and tracts have been written to explain this problem and they can be read and studied with much profit. It is my intent to look at some ways suffering can benefit us.
First of all, we can learn complete dependence on God. If there is ever a time in life when men tend to turn to God, it is when they suffer. We certainly learn this principle from the study of God’s word. Great men of the Bible always turned to God and leaned on him when sufferings came. I believe this is the great lesson in the book of Job. In severe suffering Job “did not sin with his lips” (Job 1:10). Neither did he “charge God foolishly” (Job 1:22), but worshiped Jehovah. He knew God was his redeemer (Job 9:25) and that God would vindicate his cause.
This was also a quality of Daniel; when problems and threats of death came, he trusted in God for his help (Dan. 6:10-11). And he walked into that den of lions believing God would win the victory for him. And by complete dependence on God, the victory was won (Dan. 6:22-23).
Paul was given a thorn in the flesh. God did not send this suffering; the devil did. And God did not remove it, but gave Paul the grace to bear it (2 Cor. 12:7-9). I believe it was complete dependence on God that enabled this great apostle to bear up under this and all other problems of suffering he encountered.
And this is the “bottom line” for you and me. When suffering comes we should certainly turn to God, put our complete dependence in him and say, “Lord, it is in your hands, I have no other source to which I can turn but you and may thy will be done.” And what a great source of help, comfort, and strength he can and will bestow on us in time of trouble. “The Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1).
Another great benefit we can derive from suffering and trying times is the support of family. There is no greater source of strength and help than a faithful loving husband or wife by your side. And to see them patiently bear up under the long hours of concern and care, never wavering, but always there, cannot be surpassed as a genuine source of benefit and encouragement to one so dependent on others. This, along with children patiently encouraging and helping, makes what seems like unbearable times so much easier. Yes, we can certainly learn of the benefits of a faithful spouse and children in our times of problems and suffering.
Still another thing we can learn from suffering is what our fellow Christians (especially the local church) can mean to us. In times of severe pain and stress, when the way looks exceedingly dark and drear, what a comfort it is to know of the love, concern, and prayers of our brethren in Christ. It is at these times that we learn what real love, support, and encouragement is all about. I am sure this is how Peter felt when he learned that while he was in prison, with all his sufferings and uncertainties, “prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him” (Acts 12:5).
Another definite benefit of suffering is that we can learn of another suffering—that of Christ. While the sufferings of this life may be severe; those that try our very souls, they can in no way compare with the sufferings of Christ. But while they can in no way compare, maybe we can come to appreciate more his love and sacrifice for me. He became obedient unto death, yea even the death on the cross (Phil. 2:6). He was literally nailed to a cross and left there to die. What suffering, what agony! Now maybe, just maybe, in our sufferings we can in some small way come to appreciate that love and sacrifice more. Maybe we can appreciate more what he went through so I can be a Christian and have that hope of eternal life. What a great lesson we can learn in our times of suffering.
One final and very important principle we can learn from suffering is: the sufferings here do not compare with the glory to follow. The New Testament reminds us of this again and again. Paul suffered much for the cause of the Lord. And in our times of suffering we can in some small way relate to him as to what he emphasized again and again, “Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceeding weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17-18). He states further, “If children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him. For I reckon the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to usward” (Rom. 8:17-18). So, we can understand that whatever sufferings we undergo here are light and insignificant in comparison to our eternal reward. All sufferings of this present world don’t last long; yet heaven is eternal. This is precisely why we need to learn this great benefit of suffering and why we should endure patiently; knowing that by faithfully committing our lives to God, we can have a great reward in heaven. I believe it will certainly be worth it all.
Yes, suffering is the common lot of mankind. And in suffering we can learn things learned nowhere else. We can learn a deeper and more abiding faith in God and a more humble trust in him. And despite the suffering of this world, we can cast all our cares on him knowing that he cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). And in turning it all over to him and waiting on him, always believing he will work things out to our ultimate good, we will win.
And finally, may we learn what the Spirit said to the church at Smyrna, “Fear not the things thou are about to suffer, behold, the devil (the source of suffering) is about to cast some of you in prison, that you may be tried; and shall have tribulation ten days (a short but definite period of time). Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).
— Via Guardian of Truth December 19, 1996
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What’s Wrong With Today’s Youth?
Bill Hall
All along we hear questions raised as to what has gone wrong with today’s youth. Recently, a brother expressed his concern along this line and then asked, “What advice would you give young parents to help them avoid mistakes that we have made in our generation?”
The first thing we would say is: All is not bad with today’s youth. We see young people in the church voluntarily attending special classes conducted for their benefit and studying diligently in preparation for these classes. We see them singing in the worship periods, listening to sermons, following in their Bible, obeying the gospel as they reach accountability, and living conscientiously before God.
But all is not good. We are aware of drug abuse, sexual promiscuity, drinking, gambling, and crimes of all sorts among the youth of our day. We are appalled at the lack of self control exhibited by athletes in both college and pro ranks. What has gone wrong?
A recent newspaper article helps to explain what has gone wrong. The opening paragraph says: “A high school football player who was arrested and charged with hitting a 15-year-old in the face with a crowbar has his coach concerned and his mother worried about his football future.”
Worried about what? When parents are more concerned for their children’s football future than they are for their character; when they are more concerned for their children’s financial well-being than for their eternal well-being; or when they are just not concerned, period, we can expect problems among our youth. Priorities are all wrong. Too many parents, in order to feed their own egos, push their children into positions that will bring honor and popularity, but give little thought to what will build character and integrity and responsibility within them.
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, ESV).
What advice would we give to young parents? Bring your children to every service of the church; encourage them to form close friendships with other children who attend regularly; do not try to shield them from hurts and disappointments, but allow them to work through their disappointments; hold them responsible for the consequences of wrong-doings; make sure that your greatest desire for them is that they go to heaven and that they are aware that this is your greatest desire; pray with them and teach them how to pray; and love them, love them, and love them some more.
That’s a good start anyway!
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It Is Hard to Start Back
Dennis Tucker
For three years I was a member of the Kiwanis Club. It is a good organization devoted to community projects. Once a week, we would meet and have lunch. At this time, a guest would speak to us on a particular topic. We had policemen come and speak about law enforcement. Oil drillers would explain to us the art of drilling for oil. It was usually interesting. Fellow club members were nice, and I generally enjoyed their company. In fact, I did more than just attend. I was an active member–elected to club secretary. Last year I was chairman of the fireworks committee and head of the art contest for the chili supper. You get the idea.
Then something happened. I had to travel and miss some meetings. At first, I missed the company of fellow members and the speakers. After six months of missing, I decided to try to attend the next meeting. The only problem was that something seemed to keep coming up. I must admit not all of the problems have been major—just big enough to keep me from going.
For years I have seen faithful Christians drift away from God. Most of the time it starts with occasionally missing worship services. Then they miss more and more assemblies and just quit. Often they do not know what happened and intend on starting back.
Let me relate my experience with the Kiwanis Club to this problem.
First, to those who faithfully attend services, I urge you to remain that way. Do not give in to the temptation to go to a ball game or just stay at home and rest. Once that
pattern starts, it is hard to stop. Do not risk your soul by intentionally missing a service. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).
Second, it is hard to start back once you have quit. I did not say impossible, but hard. People get used to sleeping late Sunday morning or doing some extra work on Sunday or Wednesday night. You will have to make the effort to change your pattern. Returning back to services will not just happen. Repentance is one word that comes to mind. Not just sorry for missing services and not being as faithful as you should be, but a change in action is necessary. Make a point of setting that alarm clock for Sunday morning. Look at your watch Sunday evening and quit your yard work in time to get ready for services. Leave those dirty clothes alone Wednesday evening and study that Bible lesson. Be dedicated to God.
Finally, the longer a person stays away, the less they will miss the services. They will get used to not singing songs of praise to God, observing the Lord’s Supper, listening to the gospel being preached, praying to God and just being in fellowship with their brothers and sisters in Christ.
This lesson should not be lost on the faithful. If a brother or sister is absent, we should make sure everything is all right. If they are having trouble, help them. Encourage, and if need be, rebuke them. Do not delay. IT IS HARD TO START ONCE YOU HAVE STOPPED!
— Via The Old Path II, October 4, 1998
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Support the Weak
Mike Johnson
Paul closes the book of 1 Thessalonians with some very important and practical exhortations. In chapter 5:14, he “exhorts” (NASB — “urge”) the brethren to, among other things, “uphold the weak.”
Christians have a responsibility to “uphold the weak.” The weak are those who are spiritually weak. Most churches have those who are immature, and they need to be “upheld.” The fact they are to be “upheld” does not mean we are to uphold these individuals when they are wrong, nor does it mean we are to make excuses for them. Instead, we are to “help” (NASB) them spiritually. We are to do things for them that will help them to increase their spiritual strength.
Churches having immature members is not necessarily a bad sign, any more than it would be to say that some families have physically weak members. Children, for example, are physically weak family members, yet having children in a family is not maligning. Churches also might have immature members for various legitimate and acceptable reasons. One converted to Christ, for example, usually will lack strength at first. It is a good sign when a congregation has many new converts because it shows the church has been bringing people to Christ—they have been working. The Bible refers to immature Christians as “babes” in Christ who are on the milk of the word. 1 Peter 2:2 says, “… as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” It takes time for the new Christian, the babe in Christ, to grow into a mature Christian.
Those who are new Christians are weak and need help. An infant is not left by his parents to feed, clothe, and care for himself; neither should the new Christian be left to himself spiritually. Matthew 28:18-20 records the Great Commission given by Jesus. The commandments are to “teach,” “baptize,” and then “continue to teach.” However, often, we do not continue to work with the new Christian. We need to encourage them, continue to teach them, listen to their problems, and advise them. Frequently this does not happen as the new Christian is by himself to face the temptations of the world without teaching and encouragement. Soon, he may miss some services, and he eventually falters. At this point, many excuse themselves by saying, “Well, I figured he wouldn’t last; he probably never was truly converted to begin with.”
While some are spiritually weak because they are new Christians, others may be weak because they have not made an effort to grow. These have had plenty of time to grow, but they have not. In Hebrews 5:12, we read of certain ones who should have become teachers, but instead it says, “. . . For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.” These people need teaching; they need the first principles again; they need to be encouraged to have zeal and to grow—they have gone backward.
All Christians need to “uphold” (help) the weak. We should have concern for others. In conclusion, Philippians 2:4 states this important principle “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (NASB)
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“Kill the Spider”
One of the deacons was frequently called upon to pray at the mid-week service, and he always concluded his prayer the same way: “….and now Lord, clean out all the cobwebs in our lives.” I think you know what he was talking about – those little unsightly words, deeds and thoughts that we let accumulate throughout the week.
Well, it got to be too much for one brother who heard him say that prayer so many times. So, one Wednesday night, just after hearing these words again, this one brother jumped to his feet and shouted, “Don’t do it, Lord, KILL THE SPIDER!”
Brethren, how well it would be if we would kill the spider rather than continually having our lives full of cobwebs. We will never be able to live acceptably for God and reach heights that Christ presents for us until deep within us we have that clean and rightful desire.
The great problem in the average Christian life is that we do not have the desire to really give up the world and completely surrender to Christ. Thus, we always find our lives cluttered with “cobwebs,” with sins and mistakes.
Let’s start inside of our lives. Create that humble desire; and the external part of Christianity will come. Once we have killed the spider, we will no longer have to worry about bothersome cobwebs.
Author Unknown
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Editor: Mike Johnson
www.seekingthingsabove.org