"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ," (Philippians 3:20)

God doesn't want us getting too comfortable here because this is NOT our real home. Our citizenship is in Heaven!

Furthermore, how many of us can recall a time when we learned anything of any real value through the good/easier times of our lives?

It may be surprising to discover, but suffering can actually be a benefit, as Paul teaches in Romans 5:3-5.

Suffering of any kind can keep us from thinking we have all the answers. If everything in our lives seems perfect, we may begin to believe that we know it all and not even really need God. Perhaps that's one of God's Judgments for letting us suffer, in some instances anyway; to punish, but also to test, polish and refine:

"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now if the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator." (1Peter 4:17-19)

"Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver, I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." (Isaiah 48:10)

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1Peter 5:6-7....... especially descriptive is Paul's teaching in 1Corinthians 4:17-19, saying: they are "puffed up," in the nkjv)

Knowing God's Word provides believers with answers to pressing questions like those surrounding the suffering of the blameless.

The question of God's Rationale behind why He allows good people to suffer can be one of the greatest of all stumbling blocks in all of Christendom; the very reason so many atheists remain in their 'no God' ideologies.

This is why it is truly invaluable to understand the undeniable truth found in the Word of God: that no matter who we are, we all suffer; merely for being here. In this world, we will suffer because this is a fallen world; the question we should ask is, are we suffering for good or for evil?

"For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." (1Peter 3:17)

"But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other peoples matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter." (1Peter 4:15-16)

Notwithstanding, God never promised that we would not have to contend with trials and tribulations, there are still those who expect God to come in and fix everything in their lives. But Jesus said:

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

In Him, we have everything we need to overcome.

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Furthermore, when we suffer it helps us to become more compassionate toward the suffering of others. We become more Christlike; better, wiser, refined and polished; made perfect for His Use:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (2Corinthians 1:3-4)

Suffering in obedience is sharing in His Suffering, which brings us closer to HIM.

When we suffer, God's Spirit rests upon us:

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified." (1Peter 4:12-14)

God's Word illustrates that He allows suffering for a variety of reasons (Brian Cosby--"Our sin is what really makes us miserable, not our suffering."):

--"When we remain faithful through trials, it bears witness to the world; setting that right godly example and proving to the world that we are the real deal."

--"Suffering pushes us toward repentance; it acts as a cleanser and a deterrent from sin."

--"To relinquish the temporal for the eternal." Our suffering is temporary and beneficial:

"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:2)

"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." (1Peter 5:10)

--"To produce a hypocrisy-free faith"

God uses our pain to refine us and separate the sheep from the goats.
(Jeremiah 9:7, Zechariah 13:9 & Malachi 3:3)

--"In our suffering, we are afforded the chance to see God work and discover our level of faithfulness."

--"God ordains our suffering because it benefits us." (Hebrews 12:6, Hebrews 13:5, Romans 12:2 & Philippians 1:6)

--"If we love something or someone more than we love God, He may take away that idol in order to chastise us and bring us unto repentance, which is for our own good."

--"If we desire our healing more than we desire God, then we are in idolatry."

--"What a testimony to remain joyful in our suffering before others."

Also See:
1Peter 2:18-20, 1Peter 1:17, 1Peter 4:19, Acts 9:15-16 & Psalm 66:10-12, 2Timothy 3:12, 17-19 & Acts 5:17-42 (Through this passage we see that without endurance through suffering, the Church would not have survived.)

MORE SCRIPTURE on this subject:

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

• "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope."
  (Romans 5:3-4)
• "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
  (Romans 8:18)
• "Many are the afflictions of the But the Lord delivers him out of them all."
• (Psalm 34:19)

Here's a handy link:

25 Bible Verses about Suffering - NKJV - DailyVerses.net

Suffering is to our spirits, as spinach is to our muscles; it makes us stronger!

FUNNY NOTE: I can't believe how much I suffered just in writing this! First with problems with posting and then my PC died and I lost everything and had to start all over, but it was so worth it, because of what I learned and what others may learn.

One Final Note--

For those we know that are going through things; I've heard it said that people need love and understanding the most, when they deserve it the least. I do believe that's true and also that we are all being tested right now, just prior to Jesus' Return, and that God would like us to grow in our patience with those whom we counsel.

"For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake."
(Philippians 1:29)

Satan may be at the core of all suffering, but what he meant for our harm, God uses for our benefit; He turns it around for our good.....

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."(Romans 8:28)

NKJV

Linzy is a certified Bible Counsellor, with countless republications on her viewers blogs, Bible Studies, Ezines and the like. Her portfolio includes, non-fiction articles, short stories for all ages, and Christian poetry.