Will Believers Suffer?
Both believers and unbelievers alike sometimes cannot understand why there is so much suffering in the world. And if there is an Almighty, why doesn’t he just stop all the suffering. Many also do not understand why it appears at times good people suffer while evil people prosper. The reality that Yahweh allows people, especially believers, to suffer is one of the most difficult things to understand.
What this article will explore through Scriptures is the question of whether or not believers will suffer through trials and tribulations. And if saints must go through trials and tribulations, what is the purpose. This article will also explore the good news about Yahweh’s overall plan for this suffering world.
So let us start with the basic question of this article. Will believers suffer? Will saints have trials and tribulations after they are converted? If believers truly want to become more like Messiah and participate in His kingdom, we will suffer. Messiah suffered for righteousness’ sake and believers are called to suffer for His sake.
1 Peter 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with Yahweh. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Messiah also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Messiah, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live righteously in Messiah YahwehShua shall suffer persecution.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you;
And not only did Messiah suffer, but so did His prophets and disciples. The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians vividly describes the many humiliations, dangers, and injuries he endured in carrying out his commission to spread the evangel. Paul was also given an affliction described as a “a thorn in the flesh”. And even though he pleaded with the Almighty to take this affliction away, Yahweh did not, saying “my grace is sufficient for thee”.
James 5:10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of Yahweh, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
2 Corinthians 11:24 From the Jews five times I (i.e. Apostle Paul) received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness — 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the assemblies. (NKJ)
2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought Yahweh thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
It is clear based on the Scriptures we just read that believers will suffer. But is there a purpose to saint’s suffering? Yes! First Yahweh wants His children to understand what Messiah had to endure. Secondly Yahweh chastens (i.e. corrects) the ones He loves. Therefore the suffering saints endure is for the purpose of yielding the fruit of righteousness in a believer! It may be painful for a saint to go through trials and tribulations in their life, but trials and tribulations will develop our character in ways that could not happen if they were absent from our lives.
Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Yahweh, and teachest him out of thy law;
Hebrews 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Sovereign, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom Yahweh loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, Yahweh dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of Yahweh; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom Yahweh loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
What are some of the fruits of righteousness that believers learn through suffering? Scriptures tell us that the fruits of righteousness include patience, obedience, faith, joy, hope, love, spiritual maturity, and happiness (i.e. blessings). For more information on spiritual fruit, please read “Characteristic of a Saint”.
Hebrews 10:32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of Yahweh, ye might receive the promise.
1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Messiah’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Messiah, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of Yahweh resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a believer, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify Yahweh on this behalf.
Hebrews 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he (Messiah) had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Sovereign are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Sovereign is against them that do evil. 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work (i.e. spiritual maturity), that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Acts 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of YahwehShua, and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach YahwehShua Messiah.
Through our trials and tribulations, Yahweh is trying to mold His children to have the character of Messiah and realize the hope we have in Him. Yahweh is the potter and we are the clay.
Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Yahweh, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
Zechariah 13:8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith Yahweh, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. 9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, Yahweh is my Elohim.
1 Peter 5:10 But the Elohim of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Messiah YahwehShua, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience (character); and experience (character), hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of Yahweh is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us.
Yahweh is ultimately molding His children for the Kingdom! The evangel or sometimes referred to as the Good News, is all about Messiah and His coming kingdom. Trials and tribulations in a saint’s life is a way to mold a believer into the likeness of Messiah so we can ultimately participate in His coming kingdom.
Acts 14:21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of Yahweh.
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of Yahweh.
2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank Elohim always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the assembly of Yahweh for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of Yahweh, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of Yahweh, for which ye also suffer:
Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
1 Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of YahwehShua Messiah:
Going through trials and tribulations is a way for Yahweh to get believers’ attention. When our life is going well it is a fleshly response to believe that we don’t need an Elohim (i.e. Mighty Ones). That we are in control and can do anything we want. But when suffering comes, we realize how fragile life is and how we are not in control. Trials and tribulations can not only mold us with the character of Messiah, it can strengthen our relationship with Messiah.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Messiah may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Messiah’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
1 Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify Yahweh on this behalf. 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of Elohim: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the evangel of Yahweh? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the unrighteous and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of Yahweh commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Although believers will suffer, Yahweh has made a promise about suffering and dealing with trials and tribulations. That promise is that even though His children must suffer and endure trials and tribulations, He will make a way of escape so we can bear the suffering.
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but Yahweh is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but Yahweh delivereth him out of them all.
And not only will Yahweh help us through our trials and tribulations so we can bear it, the Body of Messiah , that is the ekklesia (Greek for church), is meant to be a refuge for those suffering. When a member of the Body of Messiah is hurting, the ekklesia applies the bandages; when a member is down, the ekklesia encourages; when a member is in need, the ekklesia comes alongside to help.
Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Romans 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Messiah.
And most importantly, we have a promise from Messiah that He will never leave nor forsake us and that we can do all things through Messiah who strengthens us.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for Yahweh thy Elohim, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Messiah which strengtheneth me.
Is all suffering from Yahweh? No! Some of our suffering is brought on through our carnal nature.
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; Elohim is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of Yahweh.
Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain Elohim in their knowledge, Elohim gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of Elohim, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of Yahweh, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
It is sometimes difficult to understand Yahweh’s purpose while suffering. But meditate on this Scripture in Romans; “All things work together for good to those that love Yahweh”. That means believers’ suffering and Messiah’s suffering is/was meant for good and is according to Yahweh’s purpose.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love Yahweh, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If Yahweh be for us, who can be against us?
So all things work together for good to those who love Yahweh and are called according to His purpose. This includes trials and tribulations in our lives. Suffering is meant for our good and again to mold us into the likeness of Messiah for the upcoming kingdom.
And the suffering and death of Messiah was also meant for good and part of Father Yahweh’s plan for His creation. Through Messiah’s suffering and ultimate death on the stake, Messiah paid the price for mankind’s sin now and forever. All sin was put on Messiah. He was made sin for us. And because all sin was put on Messiah, Yahweh’s plan of our redemption and salvation was complete.
1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Yahweh hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of Yahweh in him.
Scriptures tell us that sin separates mankind from Father Yahweh. With Messiah’s perfect sacrifice for sin on the stake and with all sin put on our savior, Father Yahweh and the Lamb can ultimately be with Their creation in the New Heavens and Earth.
And we see in the New Heavens and Earth, Yahweh’s ultimate plan for His creation and this suffering world. In the New Heavens and Earth there will be no more trials and tribulations and no more suffering. Yahweh will wipe away all tears from our eyes. There will be no more death. There will be no more sorrow, crying, or pain. All past tears and suffering will be wiped away nor will be remembered. Yahweh will make all things new again. What an amazing plan Yahweh has for this suffering world we currently live in!
Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from Yahweh out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of Yahweh is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and Yahweh himself shall be with them, and be their Elohim. 4 And Yahweh shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Isaiah 65:16 That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the Elohim of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the Elohim of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes. 17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. 18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. 19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.
Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and Yahweh shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Sovereign Yahweh will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for Yahweh hath spoken it.
Having a clear perspective of Yahweh’s plan for all of us and understanding the purpose of our trials and tribulations is crucial in facing life’s difficulties. We must look forward to the reward of being part of Yahweh’s kingdom on earth and ultimately Father Yahweh’s kingdom in the New Heavens and Earth. We must view our suffering in a proper prospective and understand that our suffering is for a brief moment in the backdrop of eternity.
Suffering is meant to mold us into the image of our savior by producing the fruits of righteousness and meant ultimately for good. Our suffering also gives us understanding what our Savior went through during His life including His ultimate sacrifice on the stake. The truth is it should have been us on the stake, not Yah’shua who was without sin.
Messiah’s perfect sacrifice for all of mankind’s sin allows us to be with Father Yahweh in the New Heavens and Earth where there will be no more suffering nor remembrance of past suffering. This is Yahweh’s ultimate plan for this suffering world we live in. Certainly our trials and difficulties are real and can be difficult at times. Yet the suffering we endure for such a short time is not worthy to be compared to the reward of our great calling.
Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Messiah? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of Yahweh, which is in Messiah YahwehShua our Sovereign.
HalleluYah
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