GROWING AS A DISCIPLE

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Why should we expect to suffer as Christians? Why is it unbiblical to think of suffering as something that can be avoided?

We suffer as Christians because Christ suffered. "To this [that is to suffering] you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps" (1Pt 2:20-21). Jesus warned us: "You will be hated by all nations because of me" (Mt 24:9).

We suffer as Christians because we are part of a broken world and need to take our place within it. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace [not in your performance; not because you will be free from suffering]. In this world you will have trouble [affliction: you will be under pressure, many things will burden your spirit; you will suffer]. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

We suffer as Christians because spiritual powers of darkness are at work. "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph 6:12). "This dear women [crippled and bent double], a daughter of Abraham, has been held in bondage by Satan for 18 years" (Lk 13:16). The Lord's Prayer is a daily prayer and includes the words "and deliver us from evil [the evil one]" (Mt 6:13).

We suffer as Christians because in our suffering we can shine for Jesus and encourage others, especially those without faith or whose faith may be weak. Jackie Ascott, wife of Terry, founder of SAT7, went through extensive and harrowing cancer treatment and counted it a joy to be one of many having to endure it. She shared in their pain and brought joy to many.

We suffer as Christians because God uses it to make us more dependent on him and more like him … "Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies" (2Co 4:10). Suffering reveals what needs to be changed in us. I knew a keen Christian who became blind as a consequence of diabetes. I must admit I was ungraciously surprised that he became rather bitter about it. "How could God do this to me when I have done so much for him?"

God does protect us from suffering, but not always. There will be a purpose in it when it comes and we will have the comfort and reassurance of his abiding presence. He suffers with us. In all our distress he too is distressed (Is 63:9).

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