Have you ever wondered why you suffer so much as a Christian?  I had wondered why, for some time, until I had completely read the Bible.  I originally thought that becoming a Christian meant that there would be less pain and suffering for the rest of my life.  I thought that way because of false teachings of various minister I had listened to previously.  These ministers were preaching what is known as a “prosperity” gospel.  This “gospel” states that when you give yourself to Christ, everything will be better until you go to heaven. You will have less suffering and every thing in your life will be better. The problem with that statement is it is not biblical.  The Bible never states while living on earth and following Jesus Christ means you will have less trouble.  However, the Bible does actually state that you will have more suffering as a Christian and it is not until you reach Heaven, will there be no more pain and suffering.  However, God’s word does say how you should handle any pain or suffering while here on earth and that is what is important.  In truth, how you react to anything is the only thing you can control, that is with God’s help. You can either let pain and suffering overtake you and control you or you can give it to God and rely on Him to handle your suffering.  It is only then, with God handling your suffering, you will experience less suffering.  That is why Paul states in the Bible why we suffer. It is so we can rely on God and the power of God.

One thing you must remember is that Satan is always going to work his hardest on Christians, especially new Christians, to try to shake their faith.  So instead of letting Satan win, you should give it to God. I will admit one of the hardest aspects I have with being a Christian is rejoicing in my pain and suffering.  This is because I always looked at pain and suffering as something bad or negative.  I never considered pain and suffering as an opportunity to rely on God and God’s power. To be able to experience God’s power through pain and suffering. So when you suffer, you should be glad, because the power of God is in you and He will handle your suffering. Remember that with God and Jesus Christ, all things are possible!!

2 Corinthians 1:8‭-‬9 ESV
“For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.”

2 Corinthians 12:9‭-‬10 ESV
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 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.”

Romans 5:3‭-‬5 ESV
“Not only that, but 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.”

1 Peter 3:14‭, ‬17 ESV
“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”

Written By: Larry Shawn Cagle