This study includes various Scriptures about God’s chosen people and His purifying plan for them.
These passages record how and why God’s judgment fell on Israel and Judah.
God’s purposes prevailed, despite the failure of His people.
We see God’s grace and sovereignty through the judgment on His people. He persevered a remnant. The people were freed from exile returned to Jerusalem. They were given prophets and hope for the future. Later they would be given Jesus. God gave us Jesus and through Him we have hope.
As I study Israel and Judah’s suffering, I ask myself why. Why were they so stupid, hard headed, and stubborn? Why wouldn’t they listen? When you think about it, people are the same today – prideful, stubborn, and can’t see what is right in front of them. People are blinded by a sinful, fallen world.
Through these passages we should see truths about God. God loves us even when we sin. He is always with us during our sufferings. This knowledge should give us comfort and peace.
Life in this world involves suffering. Genesis 3:19 relates to the suffering in the world. – We now have to work for our food and we all will have to die one day. Adam and Eve brought sin into this world. Now we all live in a fallen world and with sin and the suffering it brings. No one escapes suffering.
Why is there suffering? Human suffering tests us and strengthens us growing us closer to God. There is suffering in this world because through suffering the work of God might be displayed (Job 1:9-12; Joel 2:12-14; John 9:1-3). Following Christ doesn’t guarantee a pass to an easy life. Believers and unbelievers alike experience hardships and suffering.
Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us what we should consider before be blame others or give reasons for our suffering. – Our thoughts are not God’s thoughts and His ways are not our ways. His thoughts and ways are higher than ours.
How does God provide comfort during our suffering? Isaiah 45:7; 41:10 and 2 Corinthians 11:23-12:10 tell us that God’s truth gives us comfort during times of suffering. – God is our Creator. He is in control. He created everything so He has the right to do what He wants, when He wants. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness… For when I am weak, then I am strong.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
How does suffering help us long for something better? 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 and Revelation 22:1-5 show us that suffering helps us long for something better. – Our momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs our suffering. One day we will be in heaven with the Lord Jesus and there will be no more suffering.
Does personal suffering help us to seek God? When we are suffering we are more likely to go to God for His help. Suffering humbles us. It makes us more aware of our need for Him. He uses suffering like sickness, death, job loss, divorce, etc. to draw us to Himself.
These verses show us different ways God works to draw us to him through challenges.
Why do we resist our neediness? We resist admitting our need for God, because we like to be in control and self-sufficient. We are taught from childhood to be independent. There is also pride and shame to admit we have failed.
What good comes from Jesus's suffering? Jesus accomplished a greater good through His suffering. Isaiah 53:4-6, 11-13 – He took all our sins and sorrows and died on the cross for us. “By his wounds we are healed.” His suffering and death atoned for our sins. His suffering shows us how to respond to love, humiliation, ridicule, and persecution in this life. His death accomplished redemption for us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13-13; Romans 3:24). He redeemed us from the guilt and power of sin. He defeated the power of Satan (Colossians 3:15).
We should take great comfort in Psalm 46:1; 11 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” “The Lord almighty is with us…”
Does personal suffering contribute to our spiritual growth? Romans 5::3-5; James 1:2-4 – Suffering makes us realize we are not in control. It helps us depend on God. Suffering allows us to experience God’s presence and proves He is faithful. Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. We should consider it pure joy when faced with trials, because testing of faith develops perseverance which matures us.
There are other benefits that suffering brings beyond personal growth. Corinthians 1:3-7; 1 Peter 4:12-14 - When we suffer, Jesus is there to comfort us. Suffering produces patient endurance. We should not be surprised when we suffer. Christ suffered so as a suffering Christian we are identifying with Him. When we suffer, we experience God’s presence and comfort. Then we are able to share His comfort with others.
When you are going through some type of trial, remember that through suffering God might be achieving a higher purpose for your life so you should rejoice in your suffering. “…rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
Our earthly pains and sufferings won’t last forever. Each day we are closer to the end of our lives on this earth or Jesus’ return. If you are a follower of Jesus, then you will be in heaven with Him forever without pain, tears, and suffering. If you are not a follower, you will face eternal pain and suffering. Only God can rescue you from sin’s penalty.
Principle: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
This week’s attribute of God is He is Faithful. God keeps all His promises. He knows and loves each one of us. In this life we will face suffering, but God is faithful and we can trust Him. God accomplishes His purposes even through suffering.
Next time we will continue our study of Kingdom Divided with the book of Micah. Hope to see you here. – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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