Purpose of Suffering

     Ever since I have been interested in and burdened for the persecuted church and the lost, the issue of suffering comes up repeatedly. We know the Bible says time and again that if we follow Christ we will suffer.  I have listed just a few of the many references to suffering and persecution:

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.—Matthew 5:10-12   

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.—John 15:18-20   

When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.—Acts 14:21-22  

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;

we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.—Romans 8:35-39   

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.—2 Corinthians 4:8-11   

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.—2 Corinthians 12:10   

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,—2 Timothy 3:12   

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.—1 Peter 4:12-14, 16

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ---- John 12:24-25

     Jesus tells us that we will be persecuted. But why? Because in no other act of a human being is God’s love shown more profoundly. Jesus was the ultimate martyr. He gave His life for us and He tells us time and again that we must be willing to do the same for others. And that is just what Christians are doing all over the world.  

     As people willingly sacrifice their lives, not just through death but also through other types of loss and persecution, those around them see a God who is worth giving everything for. As they see Christians give everything for God, they begin to believe that God loves them and will give everything for them.

     The Christian Church grows through persecution. “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” God is glorified when people see that faith in Him is worth losing everything on this earth, even life itself. Actions speak louder than words. When people see Christians who are bold in their belief and desire to tell others about Christ, even at the risk of persecution, unbelievers often want to know more. Paul even said, in Philippians 1:14, “Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”

     Let me interject some thoughts about America at this point. Right now, there is much concern about the future of America, morally and financially, but I don’t think we, as Christians, should be worried and concerned or look on this as entirely bad. According to Robert E. Coleman, "The Church should not fear affliction, though it causes anguish and even death. Suffering may be necessary to convince us that we do not live by bread alone. When received as an expression of God's trust, our suffering can be a means of helping us comprehend more of the love of Christ, 'who suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps' (1 Pet 2:21; Heb. 2:10, 5:8). "

     Without hardship, probably few of us would learn much about the deeper life of grace. We all know this is true in our own lives. When we go through difficult times, it draws us closer to the Lord. Well, maybe God has more difficult times ahead for the Church in America, in order to draw her closer to Him and purify her for greater works as we anticipate the return, someday, of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

     In addition to persecution and suffering drawing the non-believer and us, closer to the Lord, it helps to keep in mind that we are in a spiritual battle. The Church doesn't talk about this as much as it used to (remember "Onward Christian Soldiers"), but that doesn't mean the battle isn't being waged. Satan hates us: This is a spiritual battle first and foremost. Ephesians 6:12 says “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” This battle is greater than any other battle on earth. And unlike the war on terrorism or any other war, it’s a battle not just for freedom on earth but freedom from Hell and Satan for eternity.

     I write all this fully aware that I have never suffered on the scale that many are suffering today. I pray that when the suffering comes in my life, I will be reminded of all of God's promises that He will be with me and will give me the strength to endure. I share all this with the belief that we, as a Church, need to be mindful of those who suffer, pray for them and do all we can to help them, and be prepared (as much as we can be) for suffering, knowing "that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Rom 5:3-5)

     This life is so short compared to eternity! If we are asked to suffer so that Christ will be glorified and so that other people will not suffer for eternity in Hell, I pray that each of us will be willing to obey.