In my pastoral work I often found that suffering people can become very self-centered; they think they are the only ones going through the furnace. Everyone goes through normal human suffering such as sickness, pain, and bereavement. But what about the suffering we endure because we are Christians?

Perhaps your family has disowned you because of your faith; perhaps you have been bypassed for a promotion at work because you are a Christian. These experiences hurt, but they are not ours alone. Other Christians are going through the same trials—and many in other parts of the world face much greater difficulty.

Paul encouraged suffering Christians by assuring them that their experiences were not new or isolated. Others had suffered before them and were even then suffering with them. The churches in Judea had not been exterminated by suffering; if anything, they had been purified and increased.

Here is one of the great values of the local church: we stand together in times of difficulty and encourage one another. A lonely saint is very vulnerable to the attacks of Satan. We need each other in the battles of life.

God urges: “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NASB).

Also consider: John 13:34; Romans 12:10; Acts 2:42.

Action assignment: Think of three people you could turn to for support during a period of suffering. Thank God for them, and ask Him to help you be an encouragement to someone today or this week.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in