Why does God allow His people to suffer?
2 Cor. 1:3-7, 18, 20 ”Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,”
1. To comfort others.
“that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
2. To identify with Jesus.
“For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.”
3. To reveal the need for salvation and sufficiency of God.
“And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.”
4. To apply the promises found in God’s word.
“But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”
LESSON - When we resolve in our hearts that God uses our trials to help others, it makes the burden a little easier to bear. By suffering for the needs of others, we find ourselves following Christ’s example. Also, we are not alone in our suffering. We are surrounded with unbelievers experiencing the same pain, but they lack the joy and hope which we have found in the Lord. As we claim the promises in God’s word during our trials, may the Lost surrounding us desire the joy we have found in Him. Be faithful to share the Gospel with others during your trials, so that they also can experience the joy and hope found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
~Mike
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