Patience in Suffering

The definition and understanding of suffering will differ greatly from person to person.  One individual will see suffering as physical ailments while another will understand suffering as financial difficulties.  Still others will understand suffering as anything in life that does not go as planned or expected.  Even within the church we hear suffering from the perspective of “my cross to bear.” 

What is suffering?  What does the Word of God have to say about the suffering of the disciple of Jesus Christ?  What is the purpose of suffering?  How should the disciple of Jesus Christ respond to and view suffering?  What does patience in the midst of suffering look like?

We must be warned, though.  This topic is very relevant to our everyday life, but it is also a topic of which we are very wary.  Why?  We may not like the answer God gives us.  For example, someone once asked C.S. Lewis, “Why do the righteous suffer?”  “Why not,” he replied.  “They’re the only ones who can take it.”  That is not quite the answer we expect or want while in the midst of suffering.  But the question naturally arises, how do the righteous, the disciple of Christ “take it”?

As we gather together this week may the Spirit move within our hearts and clarify in our minds the truth of God and His gospel.  And may He prepare us to listen and follow His words on suffering and patience.