Suffering is a topic that is hard to explain to people. Why do bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people? There are several things that are achieved with suffering but some is simply because we live in a fallen world.
There will be suffering that takes our eyes off of the world and forces us to look to Jesus for strength. There will be hurt that runs deep but can be handed over to Jesus. Our story might be the story that changes someone else’s heart to Jesus. We may never know this side of heaven.
Paul tells us that he didn’t even compare the beatings, imprisonments or stonings to the glory of what is to come. Paul saw each affliction as an opportunity to teach others about Christ. He continually pointed to his hope – Jesus.
Suffering for the name of Jesus is a promise made in the scriptures. The world will lash out against anything that isn’t worldly. Christ is not worldly. We live in a world that is decaying because of sin. Our only hope is a new life in Jesus with His companionship in this world and the promise of life everlasting in the next.
Hope is a belief in what is to come.
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