Because we live in a fallen world, suffering occurs and it is healthy to discuss for encouragement.
Though there are more than 10, here are some reasons why God allows suffering:
1.To make us more like Jesus (Romans 8:17).
2. To make use more dependent on him (2 Corinthians 1:9).
3. To remove idols in our life (1 John 5:21).
4. So that we can learn to comfort others who are also suffering (2 Corinthians 1:4).
5. To remind us that heaven is our home (John 15:19).
6. To remind us of the severity of sin (Genesis 3:14).
7. To give us a deeper impact for the lost because nothing grabs the attention of an unbeliever like a Christian devoted to Christ in the midst of deep pain (Philippians 1:13).
8. To encourage other Christians (Philippians 1:14).
9. To make us long more for heaven (Philippians 1:23).
10. To strengthen our faith (James 1:2-4).
Suffering is a blessing. Paul writes to the Philippians, “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake” (Philippians 1:29). Like our faith, suffering has been granted to us and is a blessing for all the reasons mentioned above and more.
Ultimately, we won’t know the full reason for our suffering until we get to heaven. At that moment, Jesus will wipe away every tear from our eye, death will be no more, and the current suffering that we experience on earth will not be worth comparing to the glory we will experience for an eternity with our suffering servant Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
“We cannot look at the cross and see Jesus there and think we will be spared.” – John Piper
You will suffer. Look to Jesus. Live for heaven. Enjoy the blessing.
Gospel Relevance 
Wow, very encouraging. And especially that thought that suffering has been GRANTED to us as a blessing … that’s going to keep me thinking for some time still!
I had some pretty horrific events in my early life. It took until now for mer to see that God used those events to toughen me for other challenges over the following 20 years. Now I get to let go of those behaviors because they don’t serve me any more.
Right on! God bless you.
Thanks for commenting. I am glad you all were encouraged.
Christina, thanks for sharing. Praise God that he has redeemed that part of your life.
It’s all true. I’ve gone through a lot in life that I would say God has never left me suffer without His saving grace at the end. Thanks for visiting my blog and I hope to read more of your wonderful thoughts on Christianity! 😀
“Raton!” “Raton!” “Raton!” (right on!)
I’ve often mentioned that the miracles we seek are not what God has already provided. The miracle is not to be sought which will change the circumstances we now face. The miracle is that He has loved us enough to let us join Him in suffering for the name of the Father! And the miracle is, that we suffer so among those who hate Him with a vengence. Wow! What an honorable gift for those who allow God to be God!
Raton!
By His Grace.
thanks for the encouragement! i’ve had ‘suffering’ on my mind a lot recently and agree with everything you said. i also believe our response to suffering is part of the unseen spiritual battle between god and satan… we can’t forget that satan is out to get us! i might have explained it better here: http://highfiverson.wordpress.com/2011/12/07/job-thoughts-on-suffering/
love your blog – thanks for sharing your thoughts and encouragement!
Thank you for the list of 10 with Scripture citation. I also appreciate that you acknowledge that we can’t ever fully understand our human suffering. I know I become most frustrated with those that want to simplify it and say it is happening for such and such a reason, when really we just don’t (at least fully) know.
I too have had suffering. Mine has primarily been in the form of loss and grief, and I find it hurtful when it is simplified or platitudes are offerred. Thank you for going farther than that.
Heyyy I love it and all of the comments!! We need to encourage each other more & more! Thanks for your visit I will return soon.
Love you brother 😀
I once heard that if we endure no suffering, we should question our position with Christ. I believe that is true because all the reasons you gave are right. I am encouraged to find bloggers who love the Lord and are not afraid to write the truth! 🙂
Keep up the Saintly Service, the world never offers rewards better than our awesome Jesus.
This would make a good pamphlet. God bless!
Excellent post. So true!
This is a very strong encouragement for suffering. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for reading.
Reasons
1. You’re making money from such a belief .
2 You’re making money from such a belief .
3 You’re making money from such a belief .
4 You’re making money from such a belief .
5 – 10 You’re making money off such a belief .
Great post. Suffering is integral to our Christian life, nay, our life as a human!
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