Devotion for Today

Why the Righteous Suffer

December 16, 2013

God will tenderly comfort you when you undergo these same sufferings . . .
–2 Corinthians 1:7 (TLB)

This question, “Why must the righteous suffer?” is as old as time. There is only one place that we can find an answer, and that is in the Bible. You do not need to study the Scriptures long to learn why sinners meet reverses and anguish. They are apart from God. Their sorrow is the result of their sins. But—why do Christians suffer? Scripture teaches that many Christians suffer so that they may fellowship with others who are in affliction. Only those who have known sorrow and suffering can have fellowship with those in affliction. The Word of God also teaches that Christians suffer in order that they might glorify God in their lives.The Bible further teaches that Christians suffer in order that God might teach them lessons in prayer. Also, Christians suffer in order that God might bring them to repentance.

Prayer for the day

How tender is Your comfort, Lord. How loving Your chastening.

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26 Comments

Gerry says 12.16.2012, 05:26 a.m.

Suffering will quickly get your attention. We may have wandered off track. When trials began we should always pay attention to what God is saying and make the necessary changes to get back on course.

Laban says 12.19.2011, 02:26 a.m.

My God have mercy on me! I pray that you guide and protect me from the work of the devil for me to here sharing with your servant.

candas says 12.16.2011, 10:38 p.m.

Please for my family. Thank you God for everything.

Gerson says 12.16.2011, 10:00 p.m.

I'm really blessed, and reminders me to come closer before the Lord.

Frank Verderber says 12.16.2011, 3:06 p.m.

Suffering for a christian is rounded in the scripture 2Tm.2:12, "...if we endure [suffer] we reign with him." We must have fellowship with Christ. If we do not suffer, we can not have fellowship. Follower or Friend of Christ is the difference.

Ruth says 12.16.2011, 11:35 a.m.

Thank you for the devotion today. Brought tears to my eyes.

EMMANUEL says 12.16.2011, 11:00 a.m.

GOD! HELP ME NEVER TO TURN AWAY FROM YOU DURING TRIALS AND SUFFERINGS.

R L says 12.16.2011, 08:29 a.m.

Suffering. Trials. Tribulation. How could we truly appreciate the love and mercy that Christ has shown for us without them?

Gerry says 12.16.2011, 05:41 a.m.

When we suffer trials and difficult times, God is near. He wants us to patiently rely on him. He always has a goal and will not permit more than we can bear. We should come out the other side a better son or daughter . Thank you for your mercy

mick says 12.15.2011, 12:59 a.m.

have you considered how much Christ suffered for us?

Annie says 12.15.2011, 04:36 a.m.

My Lord Jesus, I will delight myself in Your statutes: I will not forget Thy Holy living Word, Amen!

Annie says 12.15.2011, 04:21 a.m.

With my whole heart have I sought You LORD, let me not wander from Your commandments, Amen!

Annie says 12.14.2011, 5:08 p.m.

Before I was afflicted, I went astray: but now have I kept Thy Word. Holy Spirit, You can chastise me, but don't let me go, in Jesus name I pray, Amen!

John says 12.18.2010, 12:59 a.m.

360 blocks surround me today? They make up the walls in the cell were I stay! At first it sounds awful, but that's just not so, It's given me time!To search through my soul!

John says 12.18.2010, 12:51 a.m.

Just like Paul learned how to be content in all things. In Prison, God helped me to learn the same thing, now I am in Prison Ministry, all things can work together for our good!

Donna says 12.16.2010, 9:47 p.m.

Lord, help us to rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS!!!! Also help us to remember James 1:12 Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. May we fall MORE in love with You the MORE we are persecuted. Help us to rejoice when men reject our names as evil because of You Jesus. How You love us! May we be considered worthy of You on the Last Day.

michael says 12.16.2010, 8:09 p.m.

Dearest heavenly father, I pray that you help me to be a channel for your peace and love. Thank you for today, I look forward to many years of helping those less fortunate than me. Your son has provided my salvation and the salvation of all those who believe in him. Please have mercy on those who have lost their way and for the people with no faith. In Jesus name, Amen

Sharon says 12.16.2010, 2:37 p.m.

Father, it feels good to obey You. Thank You for the blessing of sharing with someone I didn't even know that You are in the miracle business. That we don't have to understand everything or why it happens. Also, thank you for allowing me share that if we were happy all the time, we would take our happiness for granted. We wouldn't be able to truly recognize Your blessings in our lives. Today Father I am thankful for all that You do in my life and for using me as Your vessel. It was a blessing and priviledge to be used by You. WOW!!!

frederick says 12.16.2010, 11:01 a.m.

Heavenly father, I pray for all missionaries and mission fields across the globe, the bible says Your will is that all might be saved and none shall perish. I pray that you protect them and deliver them from evil men of no faith, I also pray that you increase Your anointing on them, preserve their lives and give them the confidence as they go about doing your goodwill in Jesus name........Amen

mick says 12.16.2010, 10:36 a.m.

We, as Christians, are not perfect--therefore, we suffer!

kanhuraj says 12.16.2010, 09:42 a.m.

Please pray for my financial problem.

Brian says 12.16.2010, 08:46 a.m.

Abba , thank you that I am learning to accept your comfort. Thank you Father, that I am becoming more aware of your presence in my life. Thank you for the encouraging messages this morning.

tlt says 12.16.2010, 08:24 a.m.

Thank you BGEA for explaining this in such a wonderful way. I was beaten as a child - Jesus understands for He was beaten too. I was sexually abused as well. 50 years later I came to Christ and now can fellowship with many who are going through what I did. It feels wonderful to be able to help another hurting child. I am not sorry for my life for a little pain is worth God's everlasting love and Heaven.

Gerry says 12.16.2010, 06:47 a.m.

Trials, suffering and difficult times in ones life are never enjoyable . However I know for a certainty that God permits these things to occur only long enough to achieve his divine purpose. It is a time to draw closer to the Lord in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to comfort you with a peace that surpasses all human understanding . These are faith building times . Thank you Lord for your extraordinary mercy and love.

Josh says 12.16.2010, 02:36 a.m.

Thank God for blessings in sorrow and for hope.

joshua says 12.15.2010, 09:17 a.m.

Dear Heavenly Father God thank you God good morning God as I pray for homeless sick-n-afflicted needy poor hungry that you God will draw them nigh to Thee in Jesus most wonderful and precious name and hold them in your everlasting loving arms and continue to bless and heal them thank you God in Jesus name amen.