If God allows suffering to happen, or causes it to happen, in the Christian's life, He has a purpose in it for His glory and for the Christian's good. But suffering in the unbeliever's life is either to draw him to God or drive him to destruction. In either case, suffering does not happen unless God either allows it, as in the case of His man Job, or causes it as He did with the plagues on Egypt.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Rom.8:28.
Our fellow Pastor, John MacAuthur, bible believing, outspoken on the truth, controversial in every wicked stronghold, had this to say about suffering.... of which he has had his share. "Suffering is the greatest tool in the life of the believer. It's how the quality of our faith is tested and proven. It's how we learn to rely on God's strength instead of our own. It's how the Lord displays his sufficiency and provision to the watching world."
"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.," 1 Pet.5:10
Tim Keller did an entire book on suffering, in which he said....
"Suffering is unbearable if you aren't certain God is for you and with you. Suffering can refine us rather than destroy us because God himself walks with us in the fire. You don't really know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have."
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12-13.
What made John Wesley the huge success he was in God's work? Suffering! To which he testified .... "Even in the greatest afflictions, we ought to testify to God, that in receiving them from his hand, we feel pleasure in the midst of pain, from being afflicted by Him who loves us, and whom we love."
"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." 2 Cor.4:8-10
The world of the wicked laughed and mocked Rush Limbaugh to see him suffer and die with cancer. To them, it was the worst thing that could happen to a Christian. He was a spokesman for truth and justice, but they are spiritually blind to the holy things of God. You see, Rush was a true believer in Jesus Christ, the very foundation of his scriptural and logical beliefs. Rush's "life spirit" did not die with his 70 year old body but left that body the moment it "gave up the ghost" (Gen.25:8) which was instantly in the presence of God ... and for eternity. But his mockers can neither see nor believe that. Unless they repent and believe, they will die without hope and spend eternity separated from God in hell. All things do not work together for their good.
"Gave up the ghost" mentioned 10 times in the bible.
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