Devotion for Today

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Suffering as a Christian

October 5, 2013

Blessed is the man whom [the Lord] chasteneth . . .
–Psalm 94:12

God sometimes allows Christians to suffer, in order that they might learn the secret of obedience. The Psalmist said, “Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now have I kept thy word” (Psalm 119:67). It was not until after great sorrow and much affliction that David learned obedience to God.

My dear Christian friend, if you are today suffering at the hand of God and you have asked a thousand times, “Why?” I beg of you to be patient and quiet before God, and listen to the still, small voice. Bow under His loving hand and recognize that above the clouds the sun is shining. God has a purpose and design for your life, and what is happening to you is for your good.

Prayer for the day

The human in me says, “Why, Lord?” whenever I have to bear suffering—but the Spirit-filled me that was born again says, “I trust You, Father.”

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27 Comments

Jeff says 10.11.2012, 09:55 a.m.

Im hurting And scared but I love you father. But I need you and to know you have a plan for the good

Diamond says 10.6.2012, 03:21 a.m.

Each day despite all dat I go through, when I close my eyes to pray my spirit is lifted and I find some real peace in Him(God).

jon says 10.5.2012, 4:39 p.m.

The Bible says, the just shall live by faith.. Faith in what you might ask. Faith In his word, and to have faith is to believe, God has sent prophets, evangelist, pastors, preachers, teachers... and Christ who died to carry your sins for atonement to

Maria says 10.5.2012, 3:58 p.m.

How do you know that God exist? I am not atheist nor agnostic. I used to believe in God but I have many doubts now. I guess it is because I never had a personal experience with him. I have asked him though to speak to my heart but I'm still waiting..

Sireesha says 10.5.2012, 09:18 a.m.

Really...It is very difficult to bear the hardships we go through as children of God.But we have only one support to lean on that is our true loving God!...Dear God please help me to be patient and wait on you till you come second time..

Renato says 10.5.2012, 08:37 a.m.

I love you father! You speak with us every day!

Joe says 10.5.2012, 08:35 a.m.

Amen.

George says 10.5.2012, 08:21 a.m.

I was arrogant and didn't bother to take of my own body, and didn't even listen to my doctor. It was until I had some internal problems that I realized that I was wrong. I turned to God for strength, and He provided it. I won't let Him down.

Gerry says 10.5.2012, 05:41 a.m.

Trusting and knowing for certain God loves you, will help you grow through your trials. Stay focused on him.

Albert says 10.5.2012, 00:20 a.m.

I wil trust in him in all time in happines or sadnes

Tessy says 10.5.2012, 00:00 a.m.

So true for we are just instruments in God's hand, thank u BGEA

Osayuki says 10.3.2012, 09:57 a.m.

Every human hates suffering.I do too.Unfortunately,it's inevitable.God uses it as a tool to polish us and strengthen us.If you are honest with yourself,you will find out that,your greatest testimonies today are from one suffering or the other.So we can say that,our pain always produces gain.But one thing-we must suffer for Christ's sake,not for the wrongs we deliberately get involved in.

Carolyn G. says 10.3.2012, 09:43 a.m.

Christ suffered for our sakes so we in turn must endure suffering. Our suffering can never be compared to Jesus for He showed us what real suffering is. Thank God for His love shown in Jesus suffering for us.

Nesdha says 10.6.2011, 01:23 a.m.

Growing up as a rebellious youth experiencing hardship at early age I always asked why me? But no matter how much I sinned God never gave up on me and 2 day am growing spiritually and able to turn my dark past into bright future through directions of my Lord

Nesdha says 10.5.2011, 5:28 p.m.

Growing up as a rebellious youth experiencing hardship at early age I always asked why me? But no matter how much i sinned God never gave up on me and 2 day am growing spiritually and able to turn my dark past into bright future through directions of my Lord

Robert says 10.5.2011, 3:52 p.m.

I have been blessed greatly Pastor Billy. On behalf of Kenyan youth I'd like to say thanks. God bless your ministry.

Melissa says 10.5.2011, 2:39 p.m.

All human life requires suffering. We will all experience it. It is not of God's original loving plan for us, but through Him we can rise up above the trials and enter into His grace and mercy!

Kim says 10.5.2011, 2:26 p.m.

Thank you for your impressive message.

moses says 10.5.2011, 11:05 a.m.

God, thank you for the scars of sufferings because they enable me to to count my blessings and name them one by one.

Nancy says 10.5.2011, 10:33 a.m.

Trust and obey ,for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Don says 10.5.2011, 09:12 a.m.

Several articles have been going around concerning Dr. Graham's belief about a literal hell.Some reference to an interview with Larry King.Just what does Dr. Graham believe concerning hell? We appreciate your concern about Mr. Graham's position on hell.( The Bible teaches the reality of hell as the eternal state and place of those who die outside of Christ. Among the terms used in the Bible to describe hell are “everlasting fire” (Matthew 18:8) and “outer darkness” (Matthew 8:12). The Bible indicates that those in hell will be in a conscious state, in great torment, completely alone, and separated from the presence of God.The scriptural doctrine of hell is an awesome one which must be taken very seriously. Mr. Graham does not seek to solve the question of whether the biblical use of fire to describe hell should be understood literally or figuratively. He does emphasize the reality and terribleness of hell. The focus of the New Testament, however, as well as the focus of Mr. Graham's lifelong evangelistic ministry, has been to proclaim that Jesus Christ, through His death and triumphant resurrection, has conquered hell. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).)

Bob says 10.5.2011, 08:47 a.m.

This is such a rough time for me as I try and find employment, work on relationships and await the path and light from our Lord God. I will continue to count my blessings and pray for strength to grow with Christ...Today's words help to reaffirm of what I knew. Thank You, God Bless us all!!

karen honaker says 10.5.2011, 08:35 a.m.

I love this message, it's so true! patience goes a long way! thank you Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shane says 10.5.2011, 08:22 a.m.

I trust You, Father.

Gerry says 10.5.2011, 08:07 a.m.

It is never fun to endure hardship, suffering, or trials. Even if we know it is for our own good and spiritual growth. It is reassuring however to know that our loving Heavenly Father will not permit more than we can bear. We will emerge a better, more obedient and faithful child of God. Like a woman enduring birth pain, the suffering will soon turn to exceeding joy.

nana says 10.5.2011, 05:53 a.m.

Help me God to keep trusting you even in difficulties. Amen. Thank you for today's devotion. God bless you BGEA.

Sharon says 10.5.2011, 03:16 a.m.

It is only through suffering that I am learning that "all things work together for the good of those who love God". True.