January 31, five purposes for suffering.

For those who love God, all things work together for good,

for those who are called according to His purpose, Romans 8, 28.

We seldom know the micro-reasons for our sufferings,

but the Bible does give us faith-sustaining macro-reasons.

It is good to have a way to remember some of these so that when we are suddenly afflicted

or have a chance to help others in their affliction, we can recall some of the truths

God has given us to help us not lose hope.

Here's one way to remember, five ours, or if it helps just pick three and try to remember them.

The macro purposes of God in our sufferings include repentance.

Suffering is a call for us and others to turn from treasuring anything on earth above God.

Luke 13, 4 and 5.

Or those 18 on whom the tower of Salom fell and killed them,

do you think they are worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?

No, I tell you, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Reliance

Suffering is a call to trust God and not the life-sustaining props of this world,

2 Corinthians 1, 8 and 9. We were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we

despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death,

but that was to make us rely, not on ourselves, but on God who raises the dead.

Righteousness

Suffering is the discipline of our loving Heavenly Father so that we come to share

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