What is Suffering?

Definition:

Oxford dictionary: the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship.

2 Categories of Suffering:

Voluntary - This doesn’t necessarily mean that we choose to suffer, but our actions directly lead to our suffering.

Involuntary - This type of suffering is completely outside of our control. We suffer as a result of forces that are beyond our control.

Examples of each type of suffering:

Voluntary - Jonah

Jonah chose to disobey the Lord:

Jonah 1:1-3

Jonah faced the consequences and suffered for his choice:

Jonah 1:4

Jonah 1:11-12

Jonah 1:15

Jonah 1:17

Involuntary - Job

Job chose to trust the Lord in everything.

Job 1:1-5

God is the one that chose Job for Satan to tempt because of his righteousness:

Job 1:8-12

Job 2:3-6

In both of these scenarios, there’s a common denominator: Sin

Jonah suffered as a result of his own sin.

Job suffered as a result of the curse of sin.

How did these men respond to suffering?

Jonah’s Response:

Jonah 2:1-2

Jonah 2:9-10

Job’s Initial Response:

Job 1:20-22

Job eventually seeks council from his “friends”

Job 3-37

Job doesn’t reject God, but questions arise and depression sets in

God’s Word rings true

Job 38-41

Job Submits to God’s Word and Will

Job 42:1-6

How do we respond to suffering?

1. We begin by understanding that sin has already been dealt with on the cross.

2 Cor 5:21 “He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

2. If our suffering is self-inflicted or voluntary, seek forgiveness

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

3. If we’ve pressed our lives against scripture, and we’re not suffering due to our own sin, cry out to the Lord.

Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears.”

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.”

Job 1:20-22 “Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything.”

Romans 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”