Read Jeremiah Chapter 30
There Is A Reason For Suffering.
God said through Jeremiah, a day of restoration is coming when those who are held in captivity will return to the land once promised to their ancestors. A time is coming when those enslaved in hardships and pain are set free so they can serve the Lord their God. Therefore, Don’t be afraid or dismayed, I’m with you says the Lord. You will again have peace and security. Because of my compassion, your city will be rebuilt and there will be songs of Thanksgiving and Rejoicing. God declares that in the meantime you are suffering and doesn’t make sense, but you will one day understand this.
There are different kinds of suffering in the Bible.
1. There are those who suffer because they are righteous. Jesus suffered because he was righteous. Death came upon him but he rose again bringing New Life. We may suffer for pursuing a Godly life in Christ (II Timothy 3:12). Death may even fall upon us, but that is our greatest restoration, being in the presence of the Lord forever.
2. Some suffer because of a period of testing. God tested Abraham along with Job and Joseph. For out of hardships come spiritual growth (James 1:2-4) and the building of our character. We are conformed into the image of Christ. Such suffering is a necessity so we should welcome it versus fighting against it.
3. There is also suffering because of sin as a form of discipline (Hebrews 12:1-11).
Regardless of the reason, God has promised to be with us, and to those who are devoted to the Lord, restoration is forthcoming (Vs. 21).
(Vs 19) When restoration comes let there be Thanksgiving and Rejoicing.
