A Look at Suffering

This week I encountered two lists of God’s purposes in suffering. There is some duplication between the two, but together they are a good reminder that suffering is never wasted in the life of a believer.

Is God Really in Control? - Jerry Bridges

Adversity helps us to grow:

1. Pruning—loosening our grip on desires and expectations, even good ones, so that we can embrace God’s will- John 15:2
2. Holiness—exposing our rebelliousness and wrong desires- Galatians 5:22-23
3. Dependence—relying on God instead of ourselves- John 15:5
4. Perseverance—pursuing a goal despite obstacles- Hebrews 10:36, 12:1
5. Service—being God’s means to comfort and encourage others- 2 Corinthians 1:4
6. Fellowship of suffering—uniting our hearts with other believers’ intimacy with Christ—sharing in His sufferings- Revelation 1:9
7. Relationship with God—bowing before His sovereignty and trusting His wisdom- Job 42:5

Suffering in the Believer’s Life (sermon) - Alistair Begg

God uses suffering in order:

1. To develop perseverance- James 1:3
2. To bring us to maturity- James 1:4
3. To assure us of our sonship- Hebrews 12:5-6, Romans 8:37
4. To prove the genuine nature of our faith- [1 Peter 1:6-7], Genesis 22:2, 16
5. To develop in us humility- 2 Corinthians 12:7
6. To keep us on track- Psalm 119:67-71, Proverbs 3:1-2
7. To deepen our insight into the heart of God- Hosea 1-3
8. To enable us to help others in their trials- [2 Corinthians 1:-7], 2 Kings 5:3
9. To reveal what we really love- Deuteronomy 13:3
10. To display His glory- Genesis 50:20

May we not try to escape suffering just because it is uncomfortable, but may we look to see how God is using it for our good and His glory.

© 2017 Dawn Rutan. Unless otherwise indicated all images are copyright free from pixabay.com.