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Why Does God Allow Suffering?

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I just watched this video on Youtube and it makes soo much sense to me. I don't know the details, but Maybe Jesus came to visit this lady and explained some things. I think it sounds like exactly like what Jesus would say. Her side of the conversation is in it too. I thought it very good.

 
So to summarize, suffering is intervention of something worse to the individual? How would you put it in a nutshell yourself?
 
Unblocked evil spirits or something. We all need to pray more. Plus, I kinda got the gist that...well, He knew us before the foundation of the world, right? So we were alive before already and just don't remember. Maybe we signed up for the position we are in on earth. So a certain amount of suffering is included in the package? Jesus suffered. We will suffer. But then again, as He is in glory, we will share in His glory. Hang in there, Brother!
 
I could totally believe we were alive before our time on earth, and further signed up for our various tours-of-duty, suffering included. Suffering because it makes us stronger? Wiser? Appreciate heaven more if we make it?
 
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
Joh 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
Joh 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Christian Sufferings
http://www.christianforums.net/Fellowship/index.php?threads/christian-sufferings.52898/
 
I could totally believe we were alive before our time on earth, and further signed up for our various tours-of-duty, suffering included. Suffering because it makes us stronger? Wiser? Appreciate heaven more if we make it?

Exactly Brother. We'll be so much more grateful, and that will bring more glory to God over eternity. It will from me at least! :pray
 
Joh 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
Joh 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Christian Sufferings
http://www.christianforums.net/Fellowship/index.php?threads/christian-sufferings.52898/

Aha you already made that point and more. There I am. That's talking about me. Before I got hurt. I (thought) I was somebody. Especially before I was walking with the Lord. The Lord has given me quite a few revelations, and it (would have) gone to my head and my ego. Like I was special or something.

We all are special on one level, that we all are different and were created for different purposes in Christ. So He does love each of us in a very special way. We should grasp that and hold it in our heart. Without exalting ourself. The Lord knew just what to do to humble me and I will be be grateful for all eternity for that. (Ouch for now though).

Good reminder Brother. :thumbsup
 
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: Romans 5:3-4 KJV

Yep, yep. We have to write these things upon our heart now. Because the things coming upon the world will tear many people's faith down. We wont always have this board to come communicate on, and encourage each other. It will go down. So it must already be a part of us so that we we do not forget...and miss the mark.
 
Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.
Suffering is a fear-story about the pain we feel.
Pain in itself is basically bio-chemical reactions/stimuli. It is largely physical and emotional stimulation.
Suffering stems from our thoughts pf fear about the pain. If we don't think about it, we don't worry about it, like when we may graze ourselves while gardening, or bushwalking, and we don't realize it until we see the graze and/or dried blood.
Other forms of suffering, such as grief and loss, is really about losing our own self-esteemed investments in what now is lost. As cold as that may seem, that is what is can be revealed after we accept the loss

In other words, God allows us to suffer, because He knows the truth, and the truth is that we chose to buy into the story of not coping with the pain. After all, we were given free-will to chose truth (God,s will) or untruth (self-will). For us to find the truth we turn to God for the Truth about why we suffer. That truth will set us free.
 
Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.
Suffering is a fear-story about the pain we feel.
Pain in itself is basically bio-chemical reactions/stimuli. It is largely physical and emotional stimulation.
Suffering stems from our thoughts pf fear about the pain. If we don't think about it, we don't worry about it, like when we may graze ourselves while gardening, or bushwalking, and we don't realize it until we see the graze and/or dried blood.
Other forms of suffering, such as grief and loss, is really about losing our own self-esteemed investments in what now is lost. As cold as that may seem, that is what is can be revealed after we accept the loss

In other words, God allows us to suffer, because He knows the truth, and the truth is that we chose to buy into the story of not coping with the pain. After all, we were given free-will to chose truth (God,s will) or untruth (self-will). For us to find the truth we turn to God for the Truth about why we suffer. That truth will set us free.

Ok, so if I'm reading you right, pain is of the mind. The mind can be controlled. Not of our own power necessarily, but of the (magnificent!) Grace of Jesus Christ...However, our personal decisions, (leaning upon our own understanding) instead of the truth of God, can make us fail. So we must be sure to turn 100% of our hearts over to the Lord. And trust that He WILL be there.
 
Why God allows us to go through trials and tribulations:
1. Training as God prepares us for the future
2. Patience as we rely and trust in God's timing
3. Perseverance through trials that we remain in Gods will
4. Trust as God's ways are not our ways and He has a better plan for us
5. To learn from our mistakes
6. To humble ourselves before Him
7. To discipline us
8. Teach us to be dependent on Him alone
9. To spend quiet time with God so He can speak to us
10. To teach us of His protection
11. That we also share in the sufferings of Christ that we be not ashamed
12. Strengthen us to become more like Christ
13. To develop character
14. Build up our faith in the Lord
15. For a testimony and witness to help others
16. To show us sin in our lives that we need to own up to having
17. To remind us that God is in control
18. Helps us gain knowledge and understanding God's word
19. Teaches us to be thankful
20. To take our mind off the things of the world and and put them back on God
 
Testing of the person that God wants to use greatly has got to be a greater test. Jesus demonstrated this when He was baptize in the Holy Spirit. He was next tested as a man by His Father in the wilderness.

Note: In one swipe "Job" lost all of his children. Job later made one of the greatest statements in the bible. He said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." - Somethings are too wonderful for our understanding. Job 42:3 NLT
 
Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.
Suffering is a fear-story about the pain we feel.
Pain in itself is basically bio-chemical reactions/stimuli. It is largely physical and emotional stimulation.
Suffering stems from our thoughts pf fear about the pain. If we don't think about it, we don't worry about it, like when we may graze ourselves while gardening, or bushwalking, and we don't realize it until we see the graze and/or dried blood.
Other forms of suffering, such as grief and loss, is really about losing our own self-esteemed investments in what now is lost. As cold as that may seem, that is what is can be revealed after we accept the loss

In other words, God allows us to suffer, because He knows the truth, and the truth is that we chose to buy into the story of not coping with the pain. After all, we were given free-will to chose truth (God,s will) or untruth (self-will). For us to find the truth we turn to God for the Truth about why we suffer. That truth will set us free.
Endorphins are released in our body to block pain sensors.

Jesus chose to not take external meds for pain. He endured the pain. The endorphins are not released till some suffering happens.

Course there ain't no letters following my name to allow many involved discussions about endorphins.

I tend to think the balm of gilead
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balm_of_Gilead
Is parallel to our internal pain blockers.

redneck
eddif
 
I Peter 5:10 KJV
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

I really see this passage through welding glasses.

eddif
 
Endorphins are released in our body to block pain sensors.
Jesus chose to not take external meds for pain. He endured the pain. The endorphins are not released till some suffering happens.
Course there ain't no letters following my name to allow many involved discussions about endorphins.
I tend to think the balm of gilead
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balm_of_Gilead
Is parallel to our internal pain blockers...
Thanks for your response about endorphins.
I was referring solely to mental attitude and focus. A mind over matter exercise. If one has enough faith to let go of anguish which arises from pain, their story about the pain subsides and so too does the suffering. But as soon as you doubt it, both story and suffering returns very quickly. Endorphin is administered into the bloodstream, it takes a while for it to subside.

I does take faith to let go of the story of anguish. Reason being is that to let go means to sink into what you wish to avoid. Some call it 'embracing' the pain. I prefer to call it 'letting go'. In either case, it is about being okay with it. In that okayness, the anguish dissipates.
 
Thanks for your response about endorphins.
I was referring solely to mental attitude and focus. A mind over matter exercise. If one has enough faith to let go of anguish which arises from pain, their story about the pain subsides and so too does the suffering. But as soon as you doubt it, both story and suffering returns very quickly. Endorphin is administered into the bloodstream, it takes a while for it to subside.

I does take faith to let go of the story of anguish. Reason being is that to let go means to sink into what you wish to avoid. Some call it 'embracing' the pain. I prefer to call it 'letting go'. In either case, it is about being okay with it. In that okayness, the anguish dissipates.
We are in the lounge. I guess I will try and express my view.

II Chronicles 7:14 KJV
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

To me this is under the law. People were responsible for the works of the law.

Endorphin release is automatic by Devine design. Pain relief after Pentecost is by the work done in us as a new creation. I do not have to do the work it just happens. I experience and receive the relief because of what Jesus did. He gets the credit. I just confess sins and believe.

If we run to the pill bottle / mind it tends to be our work. The mind of Christ takes over and functions the design from creation (Jesus being slain from the foundation of the earth).

I believe and receive. My piddling Mississippi carnal brain can do some temporal work, but I need the eternal relief. My faith is not in faith, but faith in what Jesus accomplished. Endorphin release is hopefully faith in what God does.

My eastern mysticism work blows up in my face. Been there and done did probably that. Mississippi rednecks do not leave their mothers womb filled with the Holy Spirit. I tried self hypnosis at 14 and it took 30 years to get away from the results.

All this is through a glass darkly.

eddif
 
Hm. Personally, I do feel like there was stuff that happened to me that I learned from and that made me more empathetic/gave me a better understanding of what other people go through. Because I had a mental illness, I at least have an inkling of what people who live with mental illness lifelong or who have a more severe mental illness may go through. I think in my case that was the purpose, maybe it was supposed to happen.

But then you got people who suffer severely lifelong from all kinds of things, and that's a way tougher call. People who were abused and still deal with trauma for much of or even the rest of their life. (Trauma can result in PTSD and other anxiety disorders, plus other illnesses.) There are people who fall physically ill for years and years, so ill they cannot move, they cannot make a living, they may not even be able to get out of bed most days or even be totally bedridden. Those with chronic or terminal illnesses. Some in constant physical pain so bad they can't move, and this may last for years because truthfully medical science has only advanced so far, it's not omniscient.

To be perfectly honest, I see these kinds of things as a result of the fall. We live in a fallen world, where things go wrong, including our minds and bodies. That's simply the way it is for now, and it's not anyone's fault. I don't really see a benefit in saying "there's a Divine Purpose, kiddo". That comes off as...idk. Not very comforting when you're in that kind of situation, I would think.
Of course, God is with us and for us. We're not alone in any suffering we go through. My dad was disabled, chronically ill like what I talked about above. He was with us for a decade in that state, and we lived, talked, laughed, had good days and bad days. He had great faith and I learned much for him, my life is richer for having had him in it.
God can certainly use anything in your life for His glory. It can help you learn and grow.
 
Hm. Personally, I do feel like there was stuff that happened to me that I learned from and that made me more empathetic/gave me a better understanding of what other people go through. Because I had a mental illness, I at least have an inkling of what people who live with mental illness lifelong or who have a more severe mental illness may go through. I think in my case that was the purpose, maybe it was supposed to happen.

But then you got people who suffer severely lifelong from all kinds of things, and that's a way tougher call. People who were abused and still deal with trauma for much of or even the rest of their life. (Trauma can result in PTSD and other anxiety disorders, plus other illnesses.) There are people who fall physically ill for years and years, so ill they cannot move, they cannot make a living, they may not even be able to get out of bed most days or even be totally bedridden. Those with chronic or terminal illnesses. Some in constant physical pain so bad they can't move, and this may last for years because truthfully medical science has only advanced so far, it's not omniscient.

To be perfectly honest, I see these kinds of things as a result of the fall. We live in a fallen world, where things go wrong, including our minds and bodies. That's simply the way it is for now, and it's not anyone's fault. I don't really see a benefit in saying "there's a Divine Purpose, kiddo". That comes off as...idk. Not very comforting when you're in that kind of situation, I would think.
Of course, God is with us and for us. We're not alone in any suffering we go through. My dad was disabled, chronically ill like what I talked about above. He was with us for a decade in that state, and we lived, talked, laughed, had good days and bad days. He had great faith and I learned much for him, my life is richer for having had him in it.
God can certainly use anything in your life for His glory. It can help you learn and grow.
Daniel 4:34 KJV
And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom isfrom generation to generation:

Deliverance from mental illness seems to be an outcome for some. Leadership sometimes is prepared for service in ways that are beyond frail human thoughts.

Our shadows probably have a better chance of delivering folks than our theology does. The indwelling Holy Spirit works in us to achieve the will of God.

Pride took Nebuchadnezzar Into his mental state, for a reason. Deliverance can come. I wish the welding glasses were gone from my life, but some things have details missing. Kidneys filter. Livers provide modified energy. The immune system destroys pathogens. We as the body of Christ, have different functions. What I can not do of myself, Jesus can. I may not accomplish what someone else can.

eddif
 
The answer will never be answered fully and you'll never nail it down or box it up.
What we do know is that all things work to the good for those who love God.
What does that look like? It depends on the individual and what God may be trying to accomplish with that individual or individuals around them because contrary to belief, it's not always about us.

We don't know exactly what the Holy Spirit is doing in ones life, but it is always expressed in community, and we should fellowship regularly, and deeply...
 
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