Suffering, what's the purpose?

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ctc1989

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I was reading a thread just now and someone brought up the point that we suffer so that we can be with Christ. This concept really struck me, I had never thought of it that way. I feel as though I'm an extremely blessed person, but I also feel as though I've suffered a great deal. But now this idea that I suffer so that I can come closer to Christ really makes sense to me.

If I look back at my life, And consider the suffering that I have gone through, it makes me wonder if the reason for my suffering was to bring me to christ. If I hadn't been through all of these tough times would I still have found my way to Jesus Christ?? It's highly unlikely I would have come to Christ if my life was already perfect.

im starting to think that I needed to be humbled, and go through all of the tribulations, so I could eventually find salvation. It gives me comfort to think that my suffering has a purpose. Maybe people are tested and have to suffer the pain and indignity, so that eventually they will receive the greatest gift ever given.

I would be interested to hear what all of you have to say.
 
You are spot on. If we don't suffer, if our lives are totally perfect and we have everything, why would we think we needed a Savior? Sometimes God has to strip us of what we trust in (besides Him) to make us realize how much we need Him. And although it can be brutal at the time, it's like a dad taking off a Band-Aid from his kid. It hurts at the time, but it needs to come off for the wound underneath to be healed.
 
Looking back on my life the times when I have felt closest to Christ was in my suffering. I think this has to do with the fact the finally understanding He is in total control sometime only comes from us going to him in desperation as a last resort. I've heard some people say that if we would just turn to God in our good times He wouldn't have to break us to the point where we do turn. I think its important to remember that God won't give us more than we can handle, thats why our suffering makes us stronger.
 
The book of Job is associated with suffering. God allowed Satan to torment him, knowing full well that Job was strong enough. Even when he would question God 16 times and try to put Him in a corner, Job would humbly repent and ask for forgiveness. His trust in God grew deeper from this. And had a new appreciation for His presence and knew that He was in control and not him. Suffering is only temporary, and it will finally go away once we leave this Earth.Jesus even said there will be trials and tribulations. They won't go away while we are here. But knowing Christ, can make a lot of a difference.
 
We suffer for different purposes, if any, perhaps. Some people's tribulation turns them away from God. It boils down to character and whether we remain open to the Spirit or not.
 
ctc1989 said:
Suffering, what's the purpose?
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To perfect our character, faith and patience, ie. to form Christ's character in us! Rom 5v1-5, James 1v2-4,12, 5v11

The Lord Jesus was also perfected in this way! Heb 2v10-18, 4v15

Yahweh Shalom
 
ctc1989 said:
I was reading a thread just now and someone brought up the point that we suffer so that we can be with Christ. This concept really struck me, I had never thought of it that way. I feel as though I'm an extremely blessed person, but I also feel as though I've suffered a great deal. But now this idea that I suffer so that I can come closer to Christ really makes sense to me.

If I look back at my life, And consider the suffering that I have gone through, it makes me wonder if the reason for my suffering was to bring me to christ. If I hadn't been through all of these tough times would I still have found my way to Jesus Christ?? It's highly unlikely I would have come to Christ if my life was already perfect.

im starting to think that I needed to be humbled, and go through all of the tribulations, so I could eventually find salvation. It gives me comfort to think that my suffering has a purpose. Maybe people are tested and have to suffer the pain and indignity, so that eventually they will receive the greatest gift ever given.

I would be interested to hear what all of you have to say.
Click to expand...
If you read my testimony you will know your spot on. Although I haven't brought it up in a long time even though it apparently helped many ppl because I don't want to seem like an attention seeker so it's likely a few pages or more back in the testimony forum
 
I completely agree!
As I have seen through my life and in many others..
Via all different kinds of suffering and trials; pain loss and deep grief - it does have a mysterious way of bringing one closer to God, if not renewing ones spiritual relationship or sometimes even just opening up ones eyes to the existence of our allmighty creator!
Notice how those in the world who seem to have it all.. the worldly possessions happiness or money or whatever it may be. well they always seem to be the furtherest from finding faith :(.
Still, God bless their soul's.
 
Naomi7 said:
Notice how those in the world who seem to have it all.. the worldly possessions happiness or money or whatever it may be. well they always seem to be the furtherest from finding faith :(.
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"Wealth" is an interesting word. :) And it's true: studies have asserted that money may buy happiness, but it doesn't buy joy. There are impoverished and/or "underdeveloped" communities that are seemingly much happier than their "wealthy" counterparts.
 
For refinement. A rock only become a diamond after being pressurized, muscles get stronger after going through a form of damage, etc. God wants us to be refined because we are worth more than our desires, which can make us unpolished and dull.
 
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