There exists three sources of suffering to a Christian. First, there is Satan and his fallen angels, demons, devils; and, unclean, seducing, and evil spirits who manipulate this fallen world to his own end. But, as Christ's disciples, we have authority over him. We can either bind him, lose him, or cast him out. Not surprisingly, most Christians believe the Devil is the only source of affiction, but this is a shallow perspective.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Secondly, there is our own foolish mistakes. We must reap what we sow, and no prayer or fasting can change that. Though God will forgive us for our sins and shortcomings, we will yet still reap the whirlwind of the rebellion that we have done. The quickest way out of this type of situation is to repent, to be truly sorry for one's sins. We can then know that God forgives us and begin the process of restoration. Throughout such an ordeal, the penalty of our waywardness must be endured, and we hope that it will pass quickly.
Galatians 6:7-8
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Eph. 5:5-6
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”
Job 4:8
“Those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same.”
Thirdly, and surprisingly to most Christians, is that God is a source of suffering. No number of bindings or castings can change His mind when He sets to work in us for His purposes. We're told that He uses all thingsto His glory. And so, when such situations occur, all we should submit to is God to achieve what He is after for us.
Hebrews 12:10-12
“For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
2 Timothy 1:8
“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;”
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Secondly, there is our own foolish mistakes. We must reap what we sow, and no prayer or fasting can change that. Though God will forgive us for our sins and shortcomings, we will yet still reap the whirlwind of the rebellion that we have done. The quickest way out of this type of situation is to repent, to be truly sorry for one's sins. We can then know that God forgives us and begin the process of restoration. Throughout such an ordeal, the penalty of our waywardness must be endured, and we hope that it will pass quickly.
Galatians 6:7-8
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Eph. 5:5-6
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”
Job 4:8
“Those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same.”
Thirdly, and surprisingly to most Christians, is that God is a source of suffering. No number of bindings or castings can change His mind when He sets to work in us for His purposes. We're told that He uses all thingsto His glory. And so, when such situations occur, all we should submit to is God to achieve what He is after for us.
Hebrews 12:10-12
“For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
2 Timothy 1:8
“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;”
