our sufferings ( Romans 5:4-5 ). Perseverance is also our “ push ” through the suffering . Certainly sufferings may be easier to bear if we knew the reasons for them , if we knew how long the “ sentence ” will be , or if we could only hear the Father ’ s voice . Although God may be silent , He has not forgotten us . We must continue to exist and know that He is overseeing the process ; and in His time , He will declare , “ Let there be light ,” finally revealing His finished work .
Once we have pushed through and prevailed over our afflictions , we are equipped to strengthen our brethren . We are commanded to bear one another ’ s burdens ( Galatians 6:2 ). We can best
do this by being respectful and compassionate about the sufferings of others . Many times those who are undergoing the “ sifting ” process are forced to suffer in silence , when well-meaning but insensitive individuals try to comfort them by telling them that there are people in worst predicament than they are . This insensitivity forces people to bury their pain . Suicide may be on the rise today because individuals may feel they have no relief , no outlet , and no comfort for their sufferings . We each have different levels of grace to endure sufferings , and we need to respect that although someone ’ s suffering may seem minor to us , to that individual it may great . Be mindful that sufferings would be ineffective if it did not provide just enough pressure to elicit change . Respect people ’ s pain . Suffering is an integral part of the human existence . It is a motivating force — a tool that God may use to affect change . Although we do not like it , it is necessary and unavoidable . We all must transition through struggles at different stages in life . God does not always deliver us from suffering immediately ; and , although the enemy may be behind most struggles , God allows them .
References :
Warren , R ., Amen , D ., & Hyman , M . ( 2013 ). The Daniel Plan . Grand Rapids : Zondervan .