The Meaning of Suffering

Several persons asked me about this message yesterday in Chapel who were unable to attend. The basic outline comes from 2 Corinthians chapter 1. The Apostle Paul shares with people in Corinth the WHY'S of SUFFERING.

1. We suffer so that we can comfort others. ("Who comforts us in all of our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." (2 Cor.1:4) -- Example occurs when we go through a tragedy then when others go through the SAME THING we can help them.

2. Suffering produces in us "patient endurance." (2 Cor.1:6)

3. Suffering occurs in our lives so that we may RELY on God for help. "We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life......But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God." (2 Cor.1:8-9)

4. Suffering occurs that we be humble enough to ask our friends to pray for us. "As you HELP US by your prayers." (2 Cor.1:11)

5. Suffering in our lives produces answers to prayer and we should GIVE THANKS to God for the prayers answered in response to the prayers of many. "Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many." (2 Cor.1:11)

The next time you go through difficult times, read 2 Corinthians 1 and remember "there is a purpose for our suffering."

Bro. Dan ......with thanksgiving for these sacred halls where God's mercy is evident in the trials and sufferings of those who walk them.