#1,570: Is There a Purpose to our Suffering?

Why do we suffer? You and I have lived long enough to see and experience suffering. It comes to us all. Suffering is no respecter of persons.  There is coming a day when all suffering will cease. When we are in the eternal presence of our God. He will wipe away all tears. But for now, suffering is a part of our human existence. Main Points:1. Suffering exists for several reasons. The first of which is that we live in a fallen world that is corrupted by sin. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, sin entered the world and that started all of the pollution, chaos, and downgrading that's been taking place ever since.2. Sometimes suffering is caused by our own sins and mistakes.  Occasionally, suffering is the work of Satan. Other times, though we don't like to admit it, suffering occurs because of the will of God.3. We must understand that God knew the trials were coming into our lives. He allowed them for His purpose. He is using them to teach us. He is drawing us close. He is deepening our faith and character. He is preparing us for something eternal.Today’s Scripture Verses:1 Peter 5:10 - “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”Galatians 6:7 "Do not be deceived.  God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.”1 Peter 5:8 "Be self controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him.  Stand firm in the faith because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering.”1 Peter 4:19 - “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”2 Corinthians 4:18 - “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group