Benefits of Suffering

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted” (Psalm 119:71a).

In a study of Christian evidences, my Sunday morning Bible class took the time to ponder suffering, the so-called “atheist’s best argument.” We came to the conclusion that the all-loving, all-powerful God allows suffering and that benefits may be derived from even the worst circumstances. While none of us want to suffer, we can anticipate the positive effects that can come with suffering. Please consider the following that were submitted by class members:

¨  Appreciation of Blessings—Even in the midst of pitiable conditions, Jeremiah gave thanks for the “steadfast of the Lord” and his mercies that “never come to an end” (Lamentations 3:22-24, RSV). God has been and continues to be so good to us. However, the blessings can be truly appreciated when some or all of them are taken away. How true is the saying, “You just don’t know how good you have it until it is taken away.”

¨ Tested and Strengthened—James brings forth the secret of trials—the testing of our spiritual mettle: “The testing of your faith brings endurance” (James 1:2, NASB). We can become better or bitter—it’s our choice.

¨ Sympathy, Empathy for Others—Our words for those who are suffering can sound very condescending and/or hollow if we do  not know whereof we speak. Thanks be to God that we can be comforted in our own moments of stress, discouragement and loss, so that we may be able to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

¨ Brings Humility—If there was a man who, from the human stand point, had a “right to complain,” it was Job. Yet at the end of his ordeal, not having been directly answered by God, Job said, “Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know” (Job 42: 3, NASB)

¨ Learning—David saw his affliction as a means of learning God’s laws (Psalm 119:71). We can learn many things about God as well as ourselves  by going through trials and heartaches. 

¨ Longing for Heaven—As one person so eloquently put it, “If thing were perfect here on earth, we wouldn’t have any desire to go to heaven.” Paul (in 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1) contrasts our temporary, earthly existence with the eternal glory of heaven. It is clear that heaven is far greater (see also Romans 8:18).   

  —Lance Cordle