Are You Suffering? Then THIS is for YOU!

Awhile back I was listening to John MacArthur on the radio and his message really spoke to me. This is what I got from it on that day that I felt like the world was against me. As I suffered from hurts and disappointments and feeling overwhelmed. Like no one could understand my sorrows. That day that I was wallowing a bit in self pity...


Jesus suffered. He suffered more than we could ever comprehend. For you. For me. He died for our sins so that we could have everlasting life.

There are times I suffer. And I stop and question God...why me? Well, by reading Luke 22 I am reminded why Jesus suffered for each of us. And it is humbling to even consider my hardship as suffering compared to his. However, sometimes we go through suffering just for the sole purpose of helping someone that will need us through their suffering!

God can use our suffering in these ways:

1. To test our faith in Him
2. To humble us
3. To have us bear one another's burdens

Hebrews 2:17-18 says: "For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

So, no matter what your circumstance today; be it financial, physical, emotional, spiritual, remember that God could be pruning you to help someone deal with their suffering soon. So, count it all joy! Thank God for this trial! And arm yourself with God's Word so you can be ready to bear your brother's/sister's burdens.

Romans 5:3,4 says: "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope."