I've got a Christian friend who has been suffering and struggling today with some relational and other challenges that I can't even imagine having or really talk about. Maybe you also know of a Christian in just such a predicament... or know of someone else who has not yet become a believer to start really making sense of the hurt that they've long endured. Whatever the case; love says we mustn't be cavalier or indifferent about it. What can we say that will help people in pain? I don't really know what to tell them all. Each situation can be so different and complex and my brain is so tiny compared to the mind of the One who created them. But as long as there is breath in hurting people, there is hope ...and there is also indeed Someone they need to hear about Who knows what you can say or do for them.
Of course, lots of times the best thing to say is nothing. Just be there for them, to pray and to listen. Yesterday I had some extra minutes between a lot of semi-stressy busy activity and so I threw down some quick thoughts that might hopefully encourage someone.
A Time For Suffering That's Not Sought After
It is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. —1 Peter 3:17
Are you suffering because you refuse to compromise in a sinful way? If so, you are not alone. But our world today is unfortunately not overrun with Christians willing to suffer, or with a lot of example leaders that are willing to sacrifice in order to do the will of God. Keep up the Good Work and go through with His strong grace!
A lot of religious people today do not know that our loving Heavenly Father has no desire for us to seek out pain; for us to voluntarily bring-on suffering to ourselves in order to try and gain points or glorify Him. But He does want real Christians to endure hardness and suffering as exemplary soldiers in order to do what is right in all circumstances. Paul said, "Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are His dear children" (Eph. 5:1, nlt).
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps. —1 Pet. 2:21
As Joseph shared the stories of what God taught him in prison, I learned that the justice of God is not hampered by the evil of men. Doing good is still pleasing in His sight—even when we're mistreated by the world for it. —William Crowder
We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth, for our hope is in the living God. —Paul, 1 Tim. 4:10, nlt
Some TV preachers still say we're to always keep it positive and if you have enough faith and get your confession just exactly right, you will never have to suffer or ever get sick. In fact, you will be rich! Man, I personally hope you don't get sick, but that kind of message is a lot of BUNK (which means it's flat out erroneous). That kind of talk doesn't square with the Bible. Please don't get twisted by those twisted but popular high profile personalities!
Perhaps you'd like to get past all your failures and be right with God today. He will accept you and teach you what it true and doesn't change! What you don't want to do is this… You do not want to ever bring suffering into your own life due to your own foolish or hasty choices (or into the experience of others ..especially to those of your family who trust you—those you are trying to win to Jesus Christ). Please never do harm to yourself or to your loved ones (or to anyone) by making lukewarm, carnal fools into your best friends or by receiving any negative influences. Lots of people do this, but that's so diculous, it's ridiculous!
The Bible warns us, "Whoever walks with the wise will become wise; whoever walks with fools will suffer harm" (Prov. 13:20). You want to remember the Lord and wisely pray about your decisions first. You want to listen to Him and to godly council. That would be much better for everyone! You want to do what's right no matter the suffering or cost involved!
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