SELF-INFLICTED SUFFERING

Up until now, the focus of this series has been suffering because of righteousness. What if your suffering is self-inflicted? You are not alone. At some point in all of our lives, even a Successful Sufferer has experienced the consequences of ungodly decisions. The Bible is not lacking examples of men and women of faith who made poor choices. Jacob deceived his father, Isaac, for the blessing and fled his homeland for 20 years to avoid being killed by his twin brother, Esau (Genesis 27). King David numbered the people of Israel and 70,000 men were killed by a plague from the Lord (2 Samuel 24:10-15). Samson succumbed to his temptation and was eventually caught by the Philistines, blinded, and imprisoned (Judges 16).

Oftentimes, we want to rebuke Satan when we are suffering. However, there are times when we are under the correction of the Lord. Hebrews 12:5-7 reads, And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.”  If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?

What should you do when you know that your suffering is a direct consequence of your decision? Humble yourself before God and ask for His forgiveness. Despite our failures, God provides us hope through Jesus. Jesus came to reconcile us back to God. He is our Advocate and High Priest in heaven. You may be thinking, “We are Christians. We know this.” Unfortunately, when I was younger, I had a broken theology. Although, I knew and believed that Jesus was the reason that my sins were forgiven, I began to put confidence in my own righteousness. I thought that my “good ways” was proving my worth before God.

At that time, I did not understand that Christ’s righteousness was put upon me (2 Corinthians 5:21) and that my desire to be more like God should be motivated by love for Him (John 14:15). When I fell in the area that I had so much confidence, I delayed being restored to God. I did not feel worthy of His love. I want to encourage you to quickly return to our Father, and receive the forgiveness that Jesus’ blood has provided for us.

Our restoration does not always eliminate our consequences; however, God can use it for our good when we submit it to Him. Romans 8:28 teaches us, And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. This verse does not mean that all things are good but that God, in His infinite wisdom, can use it to bring eternal benefit. As our Lord commanded the Apostle Peter, I encourage you that when you are restored, use your experience to strengthen your brothers and sisters (Luke 22:32).

Continue this series with Part VII Reap the Rewards

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Copyright 2020 T.L. Lockley. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.