What if...Suffering is Necessary?

Moon Touched by MLG

Infusions of Faith

"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." - Romans 5:3-5  (ESV)

In February of 2014, I was sitting on the side of the road screaming at the roof of my car in agony. I had just hung up the phone receiving the news that my father had passed away. The day before, I was in Houston, beside his hospital bed having that last conversation. He was intubated and could not speak, but he could communicate in his own way. I said my goodbyes and knew that would likely be my last time to touch, kiss, and hold him. I walked away with regret, unfinished conversations, fractures in the relationship, and questions. This was my personal suffering.

Suffering. It comes in many shades and textures. None of us are immune or have an exemption from suffering. It has many sources: financial hardships, abandonment, abuse, rejection, illness, betrayal, death. With all this pain and agony, it's not unrealistic to ask, "How can we find anything good in these circumstances?" I honestly don't know how it is possible. I just know that I have suffered and I am still standing. I can also attest to the truth of the Romans passage.

Paul tells us in Romans 5 that there is a progression in the life-cycle of suffering. It would be almost impossible to see anything good coming from suffering if we were not able to also see, as Paul points out, that we have been doused and drenched in an outpouring of God’s love. It is as if God’s love protects us from the scorching heat of suffering. It does not prevent us from going through the flames of suffering. Nor does it carry us to the end of the flamed-filled path. We have to endure the weight and pressure. However, as we travel along the path and realize that we are still standing, it can build character. Character in God's economy is best understood in the example of Jesus.

You may ask, "Why is suffering an important part of building character?" In the midst of suffering we come face to face with what we really believe. In suffering we cast off images, facades, and the empty things propping us up. Suffering demands that we eliminate the unnecessary. I believe it is important because suffering calls our bluff, "do we follow Christ's example or do we make our own way?" Just as Christ learned obedience through what he suffered (Heb. 5:8), we will travel a similar path that leads to a decision: your way or God's way. This was the choice Jesus was faced with. He wrestled with the decision but ultimately he chose God's way. As a result he could face the shame of the cross, and he created a hope for all mankind.  

What shame must you face? What issues from the past, a current dilemma, or future challenge must you face? Choosing God's way provides a hope and a future. Paul tells us that if we endure, our character will be changed and this change in character will lead to hope. A hope that sees the suffering and is reassured that God is with us. He is a God who keeps his promise to never leave or forsake us (Deut. 31:8).

However, I must point out that this cycle only exists in the context of a relationship with Christ, through Christ, and by the power and work of the Holy Spirit. Without these relationships, suffering has no meaning and no purpose. And your character is shady and you may have no or false hope. 

What if suffering is necessary to show us that God is in us, empowering us, and growing us to be more like Christ through the act of suffering? Since that day in 2014, I have walked through this cycle of suffering differently. I am a witness that God is faithful and ever present. I know that I have a hope and a future.

Think About It

1. Perspective matters. Are there experiences of suffering that you have left you bitter and angry with God and others? If so, can you reexamine those experiences in light of Romans 5:3-5?
2. How has God matured or grown your character as a result of what you have suffered?

Faith Insights

• God’s grace carries us through times of suffering.
• Suffering can produce hope.
• Love doesn’t eliminate suffering; Love is the reason we are not alone in our suffering. 

Resources

John Bevere: Even Jesus had to Learn Obedience

John Piper: The Great King's Wine


Dr. Tony Evans: God uses Suffering