We continue our study with the Book of Judges by moving further into Chapter 2. We are following a six-week Bible Study by Katie M. Reid entitled, “God, What Do I do?” This study is based on the Book of Judges, Chapters 1-5, and we are digging into what these lessons teach us about making wise decisions in uncertain times.
Today, we are studying Judges 2:14-15 and our focus is, “God, What Do I Do When I Suffer?”
Suffering is a human experience that people misunderstand, but let’s remember we live in a fallen world and many people have chosen to rebelled against God. So, if we do not have a personal relationship with God, we can never trust or comprehend the ways of God as we suffer. Even when we do have a relationship with God, we will not always understand His plans and how suffering works with it. There are just some things that will always remain a mystery. For this reason, we must live by faith in God’s Love and His promise to fulfill His will in our lives.
Over my years in ministry, I have heard the question, “Why did God allow this?” more than I can recount. A biblical definition for the suffering God allows never involves cruelty. The suffering God allows is based on more than just the consequences for human sin [e.g. Israel’s exile]; suffering brings refinement [e.g. David, Job], preparation, [e.g. Joseph, Moses], and the believer’s share in Christ’s suffering [e.g. Peter, Paul]. Sometimes, we suffer because we are steadfastly following God’s righteous will, so the enemy tries to get us to quit.
Israel suffered because the people did not fear God and demanded their own way. They did evil in the Lord’s sight and served the images of Baal (Judges 2:11). Taking personal responsibility for their spiritual life was not a priority. They only partially obeyed God, yet still thought, as the chosen, they deserved divine mercy, favor, and blessing.
God sees our suffering, cares, and invites us to draw near Him. We must remember we are human beings on a spiritual journey and learning to enjoy fellowship with God.
Judges 2:14-15 NLT 14 This made the Lord burn with anger against Israel, so he handed them over to raiders who stole their possessions. He turned them over to their enemies all around, and they were no longer able to resist them. 15 Every time Israel went out to battle, the Lord fought against them, causing them to be defeated, just as he had warned. And the people were in great distress.
Truth: When you suffer, decide to be a responsible follower of Christ, who views suffering as an opportunity to grow in humility and experience godly transformation.
Prayer: Lord, suffering is difficult and painful, but in the midst of it we praise You. Please use the suffering You allow, to produce endurance and godly character in our lives. As we suffer with You, may we also be glorified with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.