Part 4: Our Part
14. Will all of us suffer from time to time?
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12 For further study see Revelation 2:10.
15. Did Christ leave us an example of suffering?
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” 1 Peter 2:21
“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;” 1 Peter 4:1 For further study see Hebrews 2:18.
16. Does God want what’s best for us?
“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” Proverbs 3:11-12
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 For further study see Revelation 3:19.
17. What does God promise suffering humanity?
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
“How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.” 2 Corinthians 8:2 For further study see Psalms 89:33 and 1 Peter 5:10.
18. How should we respond to our suffering?
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified….Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” 1 Peter 4:12-14,19 For further study see Matthew 5:44 and 1 Peter 2:23.
19. Does God know the final result?
“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:” Isaiah 46:10 For further study see Ecclesiastes 3:11.
Note: We may not know why some calamity has happened to us, but God knows. God knows the hearts and minds of not only ourselves but those around us. Whatever we may loose in this life is a small price to pay for eternity. Friend, we grieve for the great trial that is brought upon us but we may trust that God loves us, that God has a plan for our lives and He promises to be with us.