One Hundred Devotionals for the Suffering

3- Called to Suffer

Why me? Why now? What is God doing? Suffering is a means God uses to get our attention and to achieve His purposes in our lives. It is intended to build our trust in the Almighty, but suffering necessitates the right response if it is to be successful in accomplishing God’s purposes. Suffering forces us to turn from trust in our own resources to living by faith in God’s resources.
Suffering is not in itself virtuous, nor is it a sign of holiness. It is also not a means of gaining favor with God, or of subduing the flesh. When it is possible, suffering is to be avoided. Christ avoided suffering unless it meant acting in defiance to the Father’s will.
1 Peter 2:20-21 (NIV)
20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

Each Christian has been called by God’s grace to salvation, so they are also called to abandon their selfish desires in pursuit of His kingdom. Since the world opposes the Lord, that calling often includes suffering. Jesus provided the critical example for His followers. Because of His immense love for the lost, He left his throne in glory, entered his own creation, suffered unspeakable brutalities, and provided the perfect sacrifice on a shameful cross.

Christ’s suffering was entirely unjust because he never sinned or deceived anyone. There was no good reason for his being condemned to death. From his own experience Peter knew that Jesus was perfect. He had lived and traveled with Jesus for three years. Close relationships often disclose the worst in people, but Peter had seen the truth of the prophet’s words. Christ was completely sinless in his life and in his words. How should the child of God respond?
Jesus demonstrated integrity by refusing to answer evil with evil. Payback is really only a form of contrary injustice, so it only makes suffering worse. Finally, Jesus exercised grace by bearing the penalty for human sin in order to make forgiveness available for everyone. The Christian faith is honest. But as we deal with suffering and seek justice for all, we should guard against either promoting ourselves or pitying ourselves. Whatever we do, it should bring honor and glory to God. No one has suffered greater injustice than Jesus. That is why he is also our only hope
Lord, please forgive me for the sins I have committed against others, and help me to bear unjust suffering by following the model of Christ, my Lord and my hope. Amen.