By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - NIV
Suffering is pain from physical, mental or emotional loss, injury or illness. Many things in this world cause suffering. Some think once in Christ there should be no more suffering. Jesus stated that in this world we shall have trouble, but added that in Him we can have peace despite the challenges. True, there are sufferings for sin and its effects that Jesus bore and we should not suffer for them again. But there are pains we can’t escape because of our relationship with God.
Jesus said His followers would be persecuted for His sake. However much good one does, not everyone will like it. Even Jesus, with all the good He did, was crucified like a criminal. The Bible encourages that one would rather suffer for doing good than bad. Peter wrote, “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” (1 Peter 3:13-14).
Let’s walk this journey, knowing that moments of suffering will be there, but most important is to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing to God. This carries a promised reward and should be faced with joy. The world under the devil’s influence, is hostile to God and His agenda. But a time will come when Satan will be out of the picture and there will be no more suffering. We eagerly look forward to that day!
1 Peter 3:17-18 "For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit."
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
Shalom children of God