• 1 Peter 4:12-16
    Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
     
  • 1 Peter 1:6-7
    In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
     
  • Hebrews 2:9-10
    But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
     
  • Hebrews 5:7-9
    who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,
     
  • Psalm 119:67
    Before I was afflicted I went astray,
    But now I keep Your word.

     
  • Romans 8:17-18
    and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
     
  • 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
    And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Suffering, Purpose of


Resources

Perfect Through Suffering

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

As we follow the pattern set by Jesus Christ, we will suffer as God prepares us for roles of great glory as members of His Family.


Life Doesn't Work on a Balance Sheet (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The subject of suffering, though unpleasant to contemplate or experience, remains a common theme in the gospels and epistles. Suffering is an undeniable part of the present order of things, and responding to God's call does not remove all suffering, though it alters the reason for it and what can be accomplished through it. The …


Life Doesn't Work on a Balance Sheet (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The purpose of suffering emerges from the very order God established when He created humanity in His image, with the freedom to choose between right and wrong. By granting this choice, God and the Word made Themselves vulnerable to suffering, knowing that humanity would rebel and bring sin and death into the world. Suffering …


Not To Reason Why

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

When tragedy strikes, we naturally seek to understand why suffering occurs. We yearn for reasons that make our pain meaningful, desiring to rationalize that our experiences are not random or mere accidents. Often, we demand answers to ensure that life makes sense and that our suffering holds a noble purpose. Yet, satisfying …


Why Do Bad Things Happen to Christians?

Article by Staff

Of all people, one might think, Christians should be the most blessed, yet they often fall under heavy trials. Why does God allow this? What is His purpose?


Trials Are a Gift From God

Sermon by Mark Schindler

God is able to allow a setback or a handicap to help us transcend our trials, building sterling character. The weaknesses we live through make us strong.


No Pain, No Gain

Sermonette by Mike Ford

When you're up to your neck in trials, it's easy to forget you are in training to be a member of the God family.


Why Does God Allow Us to Be Afflicted?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In God's hands, trials and afflictions are tools to produce refined character and joy, and to move us away from worldly choices and back to His purpose.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Suffering, Purpose of