In the Ring

We all get knocked around; the world can deliver some really mean punches. There are such heavy hitters as poverty, disease, ignorance, loneliness, oppression, aggression, and on and on; there is no lack of contenders. Strangely enough, our emotional and spiritual maturity may remain in the "flyweight" category, until we have experienced and survived some of this suffering. I think many of us have felt ourselves drawn to someone who seemed to possess great inner strength, and later learned that person had endured some deep personal tragedy, or overcome some very difficult situation. A direct relationship between growth and suffering seems to exist. So, it should be embraced not only because of Jesus' own example to us, but as a very practical way He can use to refine and purify us. Obviously, everything that hurts us isn't, necessarily, good for us; but if we will take it, and ask God to use it to lead us and teach us something, it will most certainly be good for us. These tough lessons can even make us better able to understand and serve others, which is our primary purpose here; for our "trials" lead up the road to "perfection."

Job 36.18 - Don't let your suffering embitter you at the only one who can deliver you.

Hebrews 13.6 - The Lord is my helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.

Daniel 12.10 - Many shall be purified by great trials and persecutions.

James 1.2-4 - Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.

Romans 5.3-5 - We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us - they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us to trust God more each time we use it, until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then when that happens, we are able to hold our head high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us.

1 Peter 4.12-13 - Do not be surprised at the painful test you are suffering as though something unusual was happening to you. Rather be glad that you are sharing Christ's suffering, so that you may be full of joy when his glory is revealed.

Philippians 1.29 - To you has been given the privilege not only of trusting him, but also of suffering for him. We are in this fight together. You have seen me suffer for him in the past; and I am still in the midst of a great and terrible struggle now.

Hebrew 2.10,18 - His sufferings made Jesus a perfect Leader, one fit to bring them into their salvation. Since he himself has now been through suffering and temptation, he knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted and is wonderfully able to help.

Isaiah 30.20 - The Lord will make you go through hard times, but he will be there to teach you, and you will not have to search for him anymore.

2 Corinthians 1.4-5 - He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God. Just as we have a share in Christ's sufferings, so, also, through Christ we share in God's great help.

Luke 4.18 - He has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted and to announce that captives will be released, and the blind shall see, that the downtrodden shall be freed from their oppressors, and that God is ready to give blessings to all who come to him.

1 Peter 5.10 - But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation.

1 Peter 1.6 - There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for awhile down here.

Romans 8.18 - Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later.