Suffering -The Book of James

The Book of James teaches us that the believer's undeserved suffering is intended for blessing. As I was studying this letter of James addressed to the church in Jerusalem I came across this list of the reasons why Christians in the will of God suffer. If you are going through something and you are not out of the will of God, be reminded that all things work together for good. Take heed!!! !

The following is a list of reasons why believers in fellowship suffer undeservedly in order to bring blessing to themselves or others.

1. Suffering for the glory of God: Book of Job; Isa. 48:9-11

2. Suffering to comfort others: 2 Cor. 1:3-6

3. Suffering to demonstrate the power of God, the provisions of grace: 2 Cor. 12:8-10

4. Suffering from spiritual growing pains; the testing that strengthens faith: Deut. 8:1-10; James 1:1-6; 1 Pet. 1:7,8; Rom. 5:3. Faster growth means more frequent testing; there is a refining process: Job. 23:10; Isa. 1:18-27; 1 Pet. 1:7

5. Suffering to keep down pride: 2 Cor. 12:6,7; Matt. 26:31-75 (the scattering of the disciples)

6. Suffering to illustrate doctrine (for advanced believers: Book of Hosea)

7. Suffering by association occurs when we have some relationship with someone who is suffering: Rom. 14:7; 1 Cor. 12:26; 1 Chron. 21

8. Suffering to show the fruit of the Spirit and the results of edification: 2 Cor. 4:6-11

9. Suffering to learn the value of doctrine: Psalm 119:65-72

10. Suffering as a witness to Christ: 2 Tim. 2:8-12; John 15:18-21; Acts 5:40-42; 1 Cor. 4:9-16

11. Suffering as a result of exercising a spiritual gift; illustrated by the life of the Apostle Paul

12. Suffering from involvement in spiritual battles, the angelic conflict: Eph. 3:8-13