The Surprise of Suffering (Part One)

Dreams and wishes—they speak to how we really expect life to turn out. But, the Bee Gee’s sang,

“Nobody gets too much heaven no more, it’s much harder to come by—I’m waiting in line. Nobody gets too much love any more, it’s as high as a mountain and harder to climb.”

When they sang those words they were unknowingly speaking of a significant element of the human condition—the reality of suffering. They sang of the suffering and pain from broken dreams, failed relationships and lost love.

I know of a Bible teacher who, I would guess, really understands the Bee Gee’s words. His life went from the heights to the depths in a nano-second. After a valuable and effective family ministry, including books, radio, and a growing national platform for ministry to families, his wife left him. Desolate. He was expecting life to turn out a certain way—and was surprised by suffering. Left alone, with children to raise, he suffered through the pain, loss and disappointment of a failed marriage and what he felt was a failed life. Dreams and wishes giving way to pain and suffering.

He was surprised by suffering. It is somewhat surprising to see how much the Bible has to say about suffering. Not only is it surprising how much the Word says, it is also surprising what the Word says about suffering. So, in response to that this week, we will consider “The Surprise of Suffering” in 1 Peter 5:9-10.

Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

Where do we start? At ground level…

The Roots of Suffering

Suffering finds fertile soil in life, and drives its roots deep. What are some of the factors that contribute to that suffering?

Life in a Fallen World- sin has turned the world inside out, and the consequences of that are often deep, personal pain.

Consequences of Choices- sometimes we do really dumb things—and those dumb things have price tags attached to them. On the other hand, sometimes other people make dumb choices and we suffer the consequences for those as well. We do not, and can not live in a vacuum. There is a very real spillover effect in our lives (or theirs) when choices bring consequences, and we need to be careful to make decisions by constantly asking: What will be the impact of this  on the ones I love?

Human Frailty- physically, emotionally, and spiritually we are far more fragile than we are willing to admit. Unfortunately, part of the frailty is revealed in the aging process—as we lose our capacity for strength, and have enlarged opportunities for pain.

For the Glory of God- “But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.’” (Acts 9:15-16). Sometimes suffering is a result of our allegiance to Christ.

Spiritual Conflict- This is a big part of what Peter is examining here. That is why 1 Peter 5:9)- “Resist him” (the enemy) when he attacks! Our adversary is a “roaring lion (v.8) seeking to devour”—but what does our spiritual enemy seek to destroy?

• testimony- our Christian reputation marred
• family- our closest relationships violated
• usefulness- our ministry effectiveness negated
• confidence- our trust in God destroyed

The follower of Christ’s response to satanic opposition is not panic or flee but firm resistance in faith (v.9). “Resist” is the same word as that found in Ephesians 6:11-13 and James 4:7 in the context of struggle against hostile spiritual forces. This was a common theme in the early church, as in Revelation 12:10-11:

“They overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

Though invulnerable, Satan is not unconquerable. The weakest follower of God can confound and overpower him, by the grace and strength of God. To a heart and life grounded in Christ, Satan can do no destruction—though he may inflict hurt. So, we are to oppose him, and stand against his devices, his lies, and his purposes. It is a daunting challenge, but cowardice never wins against the enemy (2 Tim. 1:7), only spiritual courage will stand.

We’ll resume here tomorrow.