No one wants to suffer. Normal people do not wish anyone else to go through suffering either. For us who believe the Bible, we understand that suffering is a result of sin and the devil’s activity. Those who do not believe the Bible sometimes think that the presence of suffering in the world proves that God either does not exist, is not in control, or is not loving. What relationship does God want us to have with suffering? Can anything good come from it? Should it be avoided at all costs or embraced when it comes our way?

The first coming of Jesus ignited a firestorm of suffering.

God in human form arrived on earth as a baby to initiate a direct frontal assault against the kingdom of darkness. Although only God fully understood the scope and significance of Jesus’ birth, Satan knew that his advent spelled doom for him.

In fulfillment of prophecy, God used an apparently insignificant young virgin to give birth to his Son, the eternal Logos or Word. Mary suffered through being misunderstood and misjudged. She was considered to be an immoral woman by her future husband and her neighbors. Joseph probably heard jokes or insults regarding the “bastard” son conceived by the woman who apparently stepped out on him. Jesus knew what it meant to be considered “illegitimate.” Why would God require these obedient servants to be so misunderstood and maligned? This is part of the mystery that surrounds suffering.

He used a Roman census to bring Mary and Joseph to the prophesied birthplace in Bethlehem. Everything was done in keeping with God’s previous promises and plan. Jesus was born without notice or fanfare in a humble stable. Only Mary and Joseph, the angels, and some shepherds knew what happened, and even they only had a glimmer of understanding. Whereas the Jewish leaders and biblical scholars were oblivious to his arrival, foreign dignitaries called magi knew about him, came to worship him, and honored him by giving him their treasures. God always has those to whom he reveals his secrets.

The evil powers arrayed against God’s kingdom were not about to give safe passage to the promised Messiah, who posed a direct threat to their long standing reign on the earth. As soon as they discovered what happened, a vicious retaliation was made that brought lots of other “uninvolved” people into the ever expanding ring of suffering. After Herod ascertained the approximate time of the Messiah’s birth from the magi, he dispatched soldiers to put to death every male child two years old and younger who lived in the vicinity of Bethlehem, thinking he would rid himself of this threat to his power. Innocent children died because Jesus was born. Families encountered the almost unimaginable grief of watching their precious children butchered in their presence. Why did God allow this? Why were so many affected by the Savior’s birth?

Warfare always brings suffering, which usually extends to noncombatants. Why should we expect anything different in the epic struggle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness?

Everyone who was and is touched personally by the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus suffered or suffers in some capacity as a consequence.

Mary was warned by a prophet named Simeon that she would suffer on account of her son.

Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:34–35 (NKJV)

She must have recounted that prophecy as she watched Jesus die on the cross. The disciples all suffered on account of their association with Jesus and their fearless preaching of the gospel. Paul in particular was informed from the start of his discipleship journey that he would suffer greatly for the sake of the God’s kingdom. Do you suppose Jesus ever felt pangs of guilt because so many had to suffer on account of him?

Jesus did not apologize that following him puts us on a collision course with suffering.

Jesus warns his followers that we will have tribulation, but to fear not.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NKJV)

Paul wrote that through much tribulation we will enter God’s kingdom.

...they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. Acts 14:22 (NLT)

Where the kingdom is advancing, there is always warfare, and warfare always brings suffering.

Today it is good to be reminded that serving our Lord always comes at a cost.

And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27 (NLT)

Let us take stock of our own journey with the Lord. What cost have we paid thus far? Is there any sign that we are involved in the warfare that is always associated with the advance of God’s kingdom? If not, let us wonder why, and consider the words of Paul.

Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT)

Jesus knows that those who choose to follow him will suffer, but he is not embarrassed by this nor does he feel guilty.

Suffering is the threshold through which we enter God’s glory.

Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26 Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” 27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:25-27 (NLT)

Many believers today have been insulated from suffering to a large degree. However, we must prepare for the distinct possibility of encountering significant persecution. Paul’s words to the church in Thessalonica are true for us today.

...But you know that we are destined for such troubles. 4  Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know. 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4 (NLT)  

When persecution and suffering engulf the church, it always means that Satan is being threatened by the advance of God’s kingdom.

He will respond the only way he knows, by killing, stealing, and destroying. We will trust God to give us the strength to endure, knowing that Jesus suffered, too, and that suffering is the gateway to glory. As Paul wrote so long ago…

And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:17 (NLT)