Spiritual Growth / Suffering

  • A Divine Vocation

    Luke 2:22–35

    Lest we think that Christ bore His pain with ease, let us remember that even Jesus asked for the cup of suffering to pass from Him (Luke 22:39–42). Yet He did this in faith, submitting to the Father ...Read More

  • Anchoring Your Soul

    Is your soul anchored to the biblical hope of the future, the new heaven and earth, where there will be no more sin and suffering?Read More

  • A New View of Suffering

    Romans 5:3-5

    Have you learned to look for the good that God is working to bring out of your tribulations? Be diligent to take your experiences of suffering to Him in prayer, asking for perseverance, character, and hope. Ask also for assurance ...Read More

  • Arm Yourselves

    1 Peter 4:1–2

    When Peter says that those who suffer in the flesh have ceased from sin, he is not teaching that sinless perfection is possible in this life. Until we are glorified we will still sin. However, as John Calvin writes, if ...Read More

  • A Sign of Destruction and Salvation

    Philippians 1:28

    We do not earn our place in heaven through the consistent endurance of persecution and harassment. Rather, such endurance proves that we have the faith that can alone lay hold of the benefits of salvation, for “the one who endures ...Read More

  • Belief and Suffering

    Philippians 1:29–30

    If we are surprised when persecution comes, then we will find it more difficult to endure it and experience the grace of God in our suffering. Yet as we remember that both belief and suffering are granted to us by ...Read More

  • Be Not Ashamed

    1 Peter 4:16

    John Calvin writes, “it is no common kindness from God, that he calls us, freed and exempted from the common punishment of our sins, to so honourable a warfare as to undergo for the testimony of his Gospel either exiles ...Read More

  • Be Not Surprised

    1 John 3:12–13

    Biologically speaking, Cain and Abel were from the same family. However, they did not share the same spiritual heritage. Though we might think they were brothers, in an ultimate and eternal sense they were not. The church can also be ...Read More

  • Blessed are Those Who Mourn

    Matthew 5:4

    Though Jesus was a man of sorrows, He was able to endure suffering and pain because He knew that “out of the anguish of his soul” He would “see and be satisfied” (Isa. 53:11). We will never have to ...Read More

  • Called to Suffer

    1 Peter 2:20b–21

    Take some time today to read through 1 Peter and consider the call to stand firm for Jesus even when it brings suffering to us. Spend some time in prayer meditating on how willing you are to bear the sufferings ...Read More

  • Christ Our Example

    1 Peter 2:21–23

    Jesus is our example as we suffer when doing good. Like Him, we must not retaliate in kind, but we must entrust ourselves to the care of our Father knowing that He will justly repay all those who have treated ...Read More

  • Consider Jesus

    Hebrews 12:3

    As you run for the prize of heaven have you ever found yourself weary? Perhaps you might even be weary now as you endure many problems and trials. Whether you feel weary now or strong, take some time to meditate ...Read More

  • Counting It All Joy

    Habakkuk 3:17–19

    Our future hope, rightly understood, does not make us callous to the needs and importance of this present life. Instead, it makes us live today with confidence, sure of the Lord’s presence as we courageously face the unknown. “This ...Read More

  • Deserved Suffering

    1 Peter 4:15

    How apt are you to play the part of the righteous victim? Do you become indignant when you experience hardship even though you might deserve it for meddling in someone else’s affairs? Though we are called to rescue others ...Read More

  • Distinguishing the Active and Passive Wills of God

    Can you remember when God used what was intended for evil to accomplish good in your life? Give Him thanks for those times.Read More