Biblical Counseling

What Does God Say About Suffering?

In this world, there will be suffering. 

Jesus teaches that we will suffer and face tribulation (John 15). Though this world and life are full of heartache and suffering, joy can be found in God. I am not talking about fleeting positive feelings such as happiness; I am talking about the true joy and peace that will outlast any trial or tribulation.

How does God Use Our Suffering? 

1. Progressive Sanctification (e.g., see 1 Peter 1: 6-9, James 1:2-4)
2. Comfort Found Only in Him (e.g., see Matthew 11:28, 2 Timothy 4: 16-17, Philippian 3:10) 
3. Suffering is Evidence of Eternal Life (e.g., see Philippians 1: 27-30, Matthew 5:10-12)

 The biblical path of healing offers faith in the triune God, who offers unbounded love, infinite wisdom, and limitless mercy and grace.  I know this to be true not only from Scripture (e.g., see John 16, Ephesians 1) but from my own experiences.