Suffer Better

Introduction

Before we begin I want you guys to ask yourself what sufferings have been going through lately?

Today I want to talk about Hebrews 2:10 “10 For it was fitting for God—for whom and through whom all things exist—in leading many sons to glory, to perfect through sufferings the initiator of their salvation.”

To perfect through sufferings the initator of their salvation? What does that mean? Well Yeshua is the initator of our salvation, but how can He be perfected? Wasn’t He already perfect?

Explain - What is meant by perfect here?

To understand the use of the word perfect here lets take a look at James 2:22 (NASB95)

You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;

And so by works faith is perfected, or made complete in some translations. So while Yeshua was perfect, it wasn’t until the work He did that His faith was made perfect.

Illustrate - Ship

I want you to think of a big ship, perfectly designed, maybe unsinkable, but don’t think Titanic. There’s only one problem. Its still at dry dock. It’s not in water, it’s untested. It’s not until the boat is put in water and floats that its seaworthiness is tested.

So I want you to see this ship as faith and it’s not until it’s put in the water or put through trials where it’s tested and is proven. And so Yeshua’s faith was tested and completed through the trial and ultimate work on the Roman cross. It was made perfect through the suffering He endured.

Explain - Suffering is Necessary

And so Yeshua’s faith could NOT have been perfected without suffering. He learned obedience through suffering, Hebrews 5:8. It was essential.

We also know we are called to suffering, Philippians 3:10 and it likewise completes or perfects us James 1:2-4.

So what suffering are you going through right now?

Are you mourning the loss of a loved one? or a failing relationship? Are you lonely? Or scared? Are you staring down your own mortality as you see the day approach? Are you laying in bed in pain and you can’t eat, and you can’t sleep. And all you can think about is “God why are you doing this to me? Can’t we do this some other way?” NO. Don’t be fooled, brothers and sisters, into thinking your suffering is incidental or coincidental to your life. It’s not optional. It’s mandatory.

How do you suffer better? Understand that just as suffering was essential in Yeshua’s life in God’s plan for our salvation so is suffering essential in YOUR life in His plan for your sanctification and the perfecting of your faith.

*Pay attention* Listen closely.

There is no plan of God without suffering, there is no salvation with suffering, there is no work of the cross without suffering. There is no growth without suffering, there is no perfecting of you except through suffering! Do you see that?!

Do you see that suffering was necessary in Messiah’s life. And that it’s necessary in your life?

And so in your suffering turn to Yeshua. Pray. Ask “God, where are you trying to grow me?”, “How are you trying to mature me?”, “What is that you want me to learn from this?”

That’s how you suffer better! That’s how God wants you to suffer! Turn to Him! Pray for wisdom James 1:5. And see that the purpose of your suffering is your perfection.

And if there’s anyone here or on the other side of this screen that has not yet put their trust in Yeshua, I want you to know. Your suffering is not meaningless, it has meaning. And its meaning is Messiah. Turn to the one who suffered and died for you. Turn to him now, NOW is the day of salvation. Don’t wait another moment before you resolve this question in your head. Stop wasting you time! Don’t wait until tomorrow, because tomorrow might never come. Don’t even wait until you get home because today might just be the day, you don’t get to get home.

Turn to Yeshua and know that while your suffering is not optional, it’s mandatory. It’s also not in vain, there is a purpose to it; your perfection.

“For it is fitting for God, for Whom and through Whom all things exist, in leading YOU to glory, to perfect YOU through sufferings.” CNB - (Complete Neal-ish Bible)