How does a Christian learn to deal with the loss of a loved one or with many of other of life's struggles? God's word helps us and provides many answers.
First, let's look at what causes us to suffer:
The bad choices of other people.
We suffer because of things others do. A look at the Bible reveals that we suffer ultimately because Adam and Eve sinned in the beginning.The bad choices we make ourselves.
So many people suffer physically because of the choices they make in life. Many suffer with crippling lung cancer because they chose to start smoking when they were young. Spiritually, we suffer when we choose to disobey God.We suffer because we are Christians.
Our Christianity should cause us to take a stand (2 Timothy 3:12). And if we take a stand for Christ, we will suffer. Moses was an example of this. He suffered when he took a stand on the side of God - and against Pharoah.What to remember when we suffer:
Remember that Christ suffered for us (Matthew 26:36-44).
If Jesus needed this much communication with God while he suffered, how much more do we need to pray fervently to God during our times of suffering? Do we pray for others who are experiencing difficulties? If we don't pray for our fellow Christians, who will?Remenber that we are to rejoice in our sufferings (Acts 16:22-25).
Paul and Silas praised God while they were suffering in prison - and others heard them doing so.We can face suffering by remembering that God is in control.
Job suffered immensely, but in the end was given twice what he had before.
2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Matthew 26:36-44
36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.Acts 16:22-25
22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
