“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” Psalm 119:71

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though some strange thing were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.” Philippians 2:17

The Biblical witness is strong.

There is not a single, significant Old Testament character that did not suffer in their walk with God and the fulfilling of their calling.

Every New Testament book addresses the topic of suffering in one way or another.

Biblically, suffering is the norm. The human experience also declares this. No one escapes adversities.

So why are we so surprised?

I recall the day I asked God, with a clear accusatory tone in my voice, “So this is what I get? I go to hard places in the world to care for your people and this is what I get (yet another serious illness)?”

At first God did not respond. But eventually he did. After many months of silence his response to me was simple and clear. “Yes.”

Since then I have been taught by Jesus, over many years, that the physical suffering I live with is not only the context in which he beckons me to walk with him, it is also the context in which I am to fulfill my vocational calling toward others.

In other words, suffering is essential to my on-going formation as a person. And, suffering is required to fulfill God’s calling on my life. It is the context in which I am called to walk with him and others.

This is true for all of us, in one way or another.

So why are we so surprised?

Softened By Context

For those of us in contexts that do not persecute people for faith in Christ, our societies can begin to influence us that ease is the path we deserve.

Further, the church often is more influenced by this than biblical norms. We can begin to believe that ease is the marker of God’s favor, and pain is the marker of God’s punishment.

Hard Life Lessons

Through biblical and theological reflection, tempered by some harsh adversities in my own journey, I have come to learn some beautiful and confounding realities.

First, our salvation depends on suffering. Jesus’ suffering. This wins us our justification. Because Jesus has shed blood and endured great pain, we can know life, joy, and peace.

Second, our salvation includes suffering. Our own suffering. This is a key aspect of our sanctification. I don’t always like it, but a primary way God matures us is through suffering. Maturing, ultimately, is growing in love – the Father’s love. Our pain carves out capacity to know God and his love for me and to be taught how to sacrificially care for others.

Each of us need companionship of others – pastor and friends, spiritual director and counselors – to walk these paths well.

Wiser Wonders

When in adversity, it is wise to wonder how the Father wants to draw us deeper into his love.

We might also wonder how Jesus is sharing sufferings with us and empowering us to walk with others with greater discernment and clarity.

We might wonder further how the Spirit is filling us afresh.

I counsel that one of the best wonders is not, “Why is this happening to me?” but rather, “How is the Father inviting me to walk with him amidst this?”

How has the Father shown you his love amidst prolonged adversity?

How has Jesus equipped you to love others more true?

How has the Spirit formed you into the ways of Jesus?

How is the Father walking with you amidst hardship and how might you in turn walk well with him?

These types of wonders and prayers posture us to walk in the power of Jesus amidst a world full of pain. It allows the Spirit to expand our souls to receive the Father’s love.

“For it has been granted (i.e. gifted) to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake…” Philippians 1:29