How should we handle suffering.

I use the NKJV - because its a word for word translation. Also I use the NLT which is a thought for thought translation.

A man visited the doctor one day in excruciating pain. The doctor asked him where it hurt and the man told him “all over”. There was not a part of the man that was not hurting. The doctor told him to touch his shoulder. The man immediately hollered. The doctor told him to touch his own thigh. The man screamed. The doctor told him to touch his forehead. The man did then yelled in agony.The doctor said, “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life. Lets try one more thing....touch your toes. The patient touched his toes and grimaced. OH doc, everywhere i touch I hurt.” The doctor examined him and said No wonder, you’ve got a dislocated finger!”

Many of us have experienced this phenomenon where everywhere we turn in life seems to be painful but only due to one specific area of hurt that is radiating into every other area of our lives.

Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Consider ( logidzommai ) - it expresses faith in action.

Like faith that has feet to it.

Paul is saying that Suffering is present but its temporal.

Paul speaks from a place of experience.

The days are evil!

Gal 1:4 “who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,”

Eph 5:16 “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Eph 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Because the days are evil there will be suffering.

In 2 Cor 11:23-33 Paul is comparing himself with false apostles.

Pauls catalog of achievements was the pain and trails he went through, not what might be called triumphs of his ministerial experience.

Paul could have easily spoke about the miracles God did through Him in Ephesus Acts 19:11

Paul was put in prison for his faith

been whipped without number

He faced death again and again ( Stoning in Lystra Acts 14:19 )

Paul recieved a synagogue punishment of 39 lashes each. As he was ministring to fellow Jews he recieved such a punishment.

Also the Romans illegally afflicted there punishment on him by beating him with Rods ( Acts 16:37)

Paul pointed out the fact that it was an illegal punishment. But he didn't build his house on it. He didn't make it a movement. He stuck to his purpose.

I remember back in 2005 I had drugs planted on me

Mercy rejoices against judgement.

A mob stoned Paul and left him for dead (Acts 14:19 “Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.” )

Paul was shipwrecked- he was in consequence of death from drowning or exposure to all kinds of dangers.

He needed to be wary of his own countrymen( the jews) and Gentiles alike, bandits. He face danger everywhere in the city, in the country and at sea. ( trouble on every side.

He even faced danger in the church ( false brothers)

Paul worked night and day very long hours. Toiled because of the love of his brethren (1 Thes 2:9) Some of us complain that we are to tired ( you worked 20 hours a week your exhausted ) Come to church and go to sleep !

How did Paul see his suffering.

1. Paul boasted in his suffering.

2 Cor 12:9-10 “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient( enough, adequate, all that you need ) for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

- “Gods power is best displayed through the backdrop of weakness.”

Rather then removing the suffering God gave Paul grace in it and through.

Everyone wants the divine healing. But its another level of intimacy when God gives you grace peace and joy though a situations.

2. Paul said his sufferings where light.

2 Cor 4:17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,”

But for a moment a temporal suffering

The old timers use to say trouble don’t last always

3. Paul had purpose. Do you know that purpose enables you to endure.

When you have purpose you can’t feel the heat when it comes.

Paul said woe to me if I don’t preach the gospel .