Faith that overcomes suffering

2 Tim 1:8

So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisomer. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.


We should pray fervently and consistantly. We shoul pray especially more in times of suffering: "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise"(James 5:13). David prayed when he faced deadily perils, and weas saved from persecution. "In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry before him, into his ears"(Ps 18:6). God promises His people to answer prayer in times of suffering(Ps 50:15). John Calvin said "God always invites us into His presence."

Mallory and Irvin who were mountain climers, failed to clime Matt Everest in 1924, and returned to England, They explained their failure, and shouted to the picture of Matt everest, "Everest, You conquered us! We tried for the second time, but you were stronger than us. However, we will conquer you one second time, but you cannot get bigger, but we can try again!" Our suffering and day, since you cannot get bigger, but God's grace enables us to overcome.

There are four different kinds of suffering. Firstly, a natural suffering which has been passed down to us ever since sin came into the world. "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time"(Rom 8:22). Secondly, we have a human suffering. We suffer from sickness and pass away. "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment"(Heb 9:27). Thirdly, we have a mental suffering. We constantly are bombarded with mental stresses and pressures from the world. Fourthly, we have a spiritual suffering. Paul wrote, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms"(Eph 6:12). Christians suffer of the gospel. "So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God"(2 Tim 1:8). Therefore, we should pray more fervently in times of pain and suffering which will enable us to overcome the suffering, and do the work God called us to do.