The value of suffering

Suffering un-welcomed

Spirit of gratitude among the suffering

Gratitude foreign to those not suffering

Suffering not actively pursued, yet the spirit of those who suffer well, is oddly attractive.

What makes suffering, suffering?

deviation from the intended/anticipated path of your life

limited ability / functionality for things you enjoy or hoped to do

physical

mental / emotional turmoil

Suffering is generally un-welcomed, but essential to our growth

The widow of Nain

Luke 7:12 NKJV

12 And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her.

Focus/emphasis on this story is the widow! Why?

No one wants to walk in her shoes

Shoes of suffering

lonely, confusing, painful, limiting, helpless etc.

Suffering may be un-welcomed but it is necessary

Suffering, the seed of gratitude

New perspective in life

Suffering helps us see what is important and what is not.

pear down what we need v. want

Learn to be content with less

1 Timothy 6:6–8 NASB95

6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.

Those who have or are suffering have been limited, against their desires, challenging them to re-evaluate and re-prioritize things of importance.

relationships

prayer

comforts

Re-prioritizing life in response to suffering is difficult but yields beautiful fruit

James 5:10–11 NKJV

10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

The end of Job’s suffering is a closeness to the Lord we long for.

Job 42:5 NKJV

5 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You.

EYE: it captures an intimate and endearing sight of God. one that can only be comprehended through experience

Frequently, those who suffered dearly, describe a grace received from God in their suffering that forms the way they see God in all situations.

We need not have an aversion to suffering, but learn to embrace it when it comes, for we shall see and experience God uniquely