The Definition of “Suffering” in the Bible: the Bible addresses suffering in many ways, offering comfort, encouragement, and insight into how to endure trials and tribulations. Below are key scriptures from the King James Version (KJV) related to suffering, as well as some prayer points based on those scriptures.
Key Bible Scriptures
- Romans 8:18 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
- Insight: Suffering in this life is temporary and pales in comparison to the eternal glory that awaits believers in Christ.
- James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
- Insight: Trials produce endurance and maturity in faith, leading to spiritual growth and completeness.
- 1 Peter 4:12-13 “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.”
- Insight: Suffering is part of the Christian experience, and believers are encouraged to rejoice as they share in Christ’s sufferings.
- 2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
- Insight: Suffering is described as “light” and temporary in comparison to the eternal glory it produces.
- Psalm 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”
- Insight: Though the righteous face many afflictions, God promises deliverance.
- Romans 5:3-5 “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
- Insight: Suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope, with the assurance of God’s love.
- Isaiah 43:2 “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
- Insight: God promises His presence and protection through all trials and difficulties.
- 2 Timothy 2:12 “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.”
- Insight: Enduring suffering for Christ leads to reigning with Him in His kingdom.
Prayer Points Based on Scriptures
- Prayer for Strength and Endurance
- Scripture: James 1:2-4
- Prayer Point: Lord, grant me the strength and patience to endure trials with joy, knowing that You are perfecting my faith through them.
- Prayer for Hope and Encouragement
- Scripture: Romans 8:18
- Prayer Point: Heavenly Father, help me to keep my eyes on the eternal glory that awaits me, and let that hope encourage me through my present sufferings.
- Prayer for Rejoicing in Trials
- Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-13
- Prayer Point: Lord, teach me to rejoice in my sufferings as I share in Christ’s sufferings, knowing that it leads to joy and glory when Your kingdom is fully revealed.
- Prayer for Deliverance
- Scripture: Psalm 34:19
- Prayer Point: Lord, I trust in Your promise to deliver me from every affliction. Please deliver me from the trials I face today.
- Prayer for God’s Presence and Protection
- Scripture: Isaiah 43:2
- Prayer Point: Lord, be with me through the storms of life. Protect me and guide me through the waters and fires of adversity.
- Prayer for Transformation Through Suffering
- Scripture: Romans 5:3-5
- Prayer Point: Father, transform me through my sufferings. Let my trials produce perseverance, character, and hope, with the assurance that Your love fills my heart.
- Prayer for Eternal Perspective
- Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:17
- Prayer Point: Lord, help me to see my suffering in light of eternity. May I focus on the eternal weight of glory that is being produced in me through my temporary trials.
- Prayer for Reigning with Christ
- Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:12
- Prayer Point: Father, help me to endure suffering with faithfulness so that I may reign with Christ in His kingdom.
These scriptures and prayer points offer a foundation for understanding and praying through suffering, reminding believers of God’s promises, presence, and ultimate deliverance.
Why Do We Suffer?
The question of why we suffer is a profound and complex issue that has been wrestled with by theologians, philosophers, and individuals throughout history. The Bible provides several perspectives on suffering, offering explanations that vary depending on the context and the overarching narrative of God’s relationship with humanity. Here are several biblical reasons that explain why we suffer:
1. The Consequence of Sin (The Fall)
- Genesis 3:17-19 “And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life…”
- Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned…”
Explanation: According to the Bible, suffering entered the world as a result of sin. The fall of Adam and Eve brought about a curse on creation, leading to pain, suffering, and death. Because of humanity’s disobedience to God, the world is now broken, and suffering is part of the human experience.
2. To Build Character and Spiritual Maturity
- James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
- Romans 5:3-4 “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope…”
Explanation: Suffering can serve a purpose in spiritual growth. The Bible teaches that God uses suffering to refine our character, strengthen our faith, and produce endurance and maturity in us. Just as gold is refined by fire, believers are refined through trials.
3. To Draw Us Closer to God
- Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “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.”
Explanation: Suffering often causes people to seek God more earnestly. In times of distress, we may be more aware of our dependence on God and experience His presence in a deeper way. Suffering can serve as a catalyst for a closer relationship with Him, teaching us to rely on His strength rather than our own.
4. To Participate in Christ’s Sufferings
- 1 Peter 4:13 “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.”
- Philippians 3:10 “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death…”
Explanation: Believers are called to share in the sufferings of Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are not exempt from suffering, but we are invited to join Christ in His suffering, knowing that it leads to eternal glory. Suffering for the sake of righteousness or the gospel is a form of participating in the redemptive work of Christ.
5. To Discipline and Correct
- Hebrews 12:6-7 “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?”
- Proverbs 3:11-12 “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”
Explanation: Sometimes suffering is a form of God’s loving discipline. Just as a parent disciplines a child for their growth and well-being, God allows suffering to correct and guide us back to the right path. His discipline is a sign of His love and desire for our holiness.
6. Because of the Reality of a Fallen World
- John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
- Ecclesiastes 9:11 “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”
Explanation: Some suffering is simply the result of living in a fallen world where natural disasters, sickness, and death exist. The Bible acknowledges that life is unpredictable and filled with hardships, but it also points to the ultimate victory of Christ over the brokenness of the world.
7. To Reveal God’s Glory
- John 9:2-3 “And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
Explanation: Sometimes suffering serves as a means through which God’s glory is revealed. In John 9, Jesus explains that the man’s blindness was not due to sin but so that God’s power could be displayed in his healing. God can use suffering to demonstrate His power, grace, and glory in ways that might not be apparent otherwise.
8. To Prepare Us for Eternal Glory
- Romans 8:18 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
Explanation: The Bible teaches that our present suffering is preparing us for eternal glory. What we endure now is temporary, and it cannot compare to the everlasting joy and glory that we will experience in God’s presence.
The Bible doesn’t offer a single, simple answer to the question of why we suffer, but it provides multiple perspectives that help us understand suffering in the context of a broken world, God’s redemptive plan, and the hope of eternal life. Suffering can be a consequence of sin, a means of spiritual growth, a way to draw closer to God, or even a way to reveal God’s glory. Ultimately, the Bible points us to the truth that suffering is temporary, and God’s ultimate plan for His people is one of restoration and eternal joy.