HEBREWS 12 IN YOUR STRUGGLES AGAINST SIN

September 29

HEBREWS 12

4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. – Hebrews 12:4-11

HEBREWS 12 IN YOUR STRUGGLES AGAINST SIN

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you are faced with struggles against sinning

Do not despair for the Lord God corrects and disciplines

He will not allow you to suffer to the point of death

He will show you a way out and you will not be defeated

While he corrects you, you may feel much pain

But take heart, because it is for your own good

The Lord will not allow you to get waylaid

Instead, he wants you to endure what is painful.

In this account, we are focusing on suffering from struggles against sin and not for suffering for righteousness. What is the difference between the two kinds of pain? One pain is about keeping your path towards righteousness while the other is about dying to your desires. It is painful to say no to our sinful nature because we still live in our bodies in this corrupt world. So, the struggle for the believers is to find the strength to say no to these lustful desires, cravings and lures from the world we live in. Until the Lord Jesus comes again and until the fulfilment of the new heaven and new earth has come into fruition, we will always have these inner battles inside of each believer. Those who aren’t Christians won’t have a problem following their cravings and lusts because they haven’t pledged allegiance to the Lord. The believer on the other hand struggles with how to deny their flesh and follow the right path. The writer of Hebrews discusses the importance of discipline in order for a Christian to stay victorious over those temptations and enticements from the world. We are called to have a life of discipline. According to Gotquestions.org, the bible defines discipline as the loving process of training, instruction, correction and testing that guides a person towards spiritual maturity and holiness. It is not just to be better in the world, but to grow in the faith so that we can be holy because that is what God requires of his people.

REFLECTION

·       Share a kind of spiritual discipline that a Christian should practically apply regularly.

PSALM 23 COMFORT THROUGH SUFFERING

September 28

PSALM 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. 3He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
 you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely,goodness and mercyshall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwellin the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23: 1-6

PSALM 23 COMFORT THROUGH SUFFERING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you will have joy

No amount of suffering or trials can draw you away from God

There is much comfort in knowing that the Lord never leaves you

Even though you go through the darkest times, you have hope

Because you stand on the promises of God who truly cares for you

He will lead you to paths of righteousness for his name’s sake

He won’t leave you in the dark and be defeated by evil

God will convert that suffering into strength and courage.

Psalm 23 is probably the most known chapter in the bible. Probably, even unbelievers or those who don’t know the Lord and the bible have heard this psalm during a funeral of a loved one or a friend. Why is this simple psalm read during funerals? I guess it is because of the comfort it brings to alleviate the loss of a person. Losing someone through death is probably one of the most painful experiences we can have in our lives and the biggest wound it can inflict on our souls and spirits. No wonder it is popular to be used in funerals and burials.

King David wrote this psalm but there is no clear indication in the bible when he wrote it. Scholars have mixed opinions on when it was written. Some say it was during his youth that he wrote it. Others think it was during the time when he was fleeing from Saul and some even say it may have been during his son Absalom’s mutiny against David. When it was written is immaterial. Why it was written is more important. He wrote it as a confession of his faith and knowledge of his Lord, who will never leave him and who will fulfill his promise to bring him back to the righteous path no matter how dark it was that he had been through.

I think every Christian ought to memorize and meditate on this verse because it declares our faith and knowledge of our Lord and keeps our dependence on him deeply intact. It solidifies our belief in Jesus.

REFLECTION

  • What happens to the human soul and spirit when we are not comforted during suffering?

2 CORINTHIANS 12 THORN IN THE FLESH STOPS CONCEIT

September 27

2 CORINTHIANS 12

I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

2 CORINTHIANS 12 THORN IN THE FLESH STOPS CONCEIT

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As a follower of Christ, you are required to stay humble

As his disciple, you cannot continue boasting on anything

Because you are chosen, you know that all things are made by God

Nothing you do or own is truly yours, they are loaned to you

They are to be used to give God all the praise and glory

You’re given a thorn in the flesh to remind you who is holy

The Lord is holy and he wants his people to stay pure

Let suffering strengthen you so you can embrace truth.

Paul talks about boasting in this account in a different light. We usually boast about our accomplishments or possessions but that is not the kind of boasting that Paul is talking about here. He is referring to boasting only in Christ in verse 5. What does “boasting in Christ” mean? It is to boast only of what Christ has done for us. It is to give emphasis to his finished work on the cross which manifests his great love for mankind and it is to make Christ known to others.

In verse 7, Paul mentions the thorn in the flesh sent to him through a messenger of Satan to harass him. There has been much speculation what this truly meant because there was no specific ailment or suffering mentioned in the chapter. Many scholars think it is a figure of speech which can mean any pain or difficulty one might encounter such as temptations, enticements, trials, adversities and sufferings that a believer faces so that he cannot continue to boast.

REFLECTION

·       What thorn in the flesh has stopped you from being proud and conceited?

2 TIMOTHY 1 EMBRACE SUFFERING TO DO YOUR HOLY CALLING

September 26

2 TIMOTHY 1

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us toa holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the soundwords that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. – 2 Timothy 1:6-14

2 TIMOTHY 1 EMBRACE SUFFERING TO DO YOUR HOLY CALLING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you are a follower of Christ, suffering is inevitable

When you embrace it as it comes, it equips you to face them all

It was meant to be your tool to do your holy calling

Without adversities, you fail at gaining strength and courage

Allow suffering to transform you from innocence and ignorance

It gives you endurance and it grows your faith and your patience.

It is interesting how your life changes when you allow suffering to teach you lessons in life. I just heard a podcast of Mel Robbins with Martha Beck as her guest today and Martha is a sociologist, life coach and author but was also shunned in the Mormon community when she spoke about her own father who was an elder in that church abusing her since she was a child. As I listened to her, I just realized all these blogs I have been writing about suffering and she teaches that she embraced and invited suffering in her life after those dark years that she was shunned out of her religious community when she exposed how her own father who was very much respected by that church actually raped her. She claimed to have experienced a near death experience during one of her surgeries that she incurred in her body from her past sexual traumas from her own father. In that near death experience, she claimed to see a very bright light that reassured her that she is loved and that she is never alone. I wished I could talk to her and explain that she just experienced God’s presence as John described the Lord as light and love. She obviously didn’t get that revelation that it was the one true God that carried her through all those sufferings. One day, I pray that she will know the Lord. It just goes to prove Psalm 34:18 was true to her life when God says I am near to those who are broken-hearted and crushed in spirit. Martha Beck has written books acclaimed to be New York Times bestsellers and have been helping people to heal. We can use suffering to be able to discover our calling in life.

REFLECTION

·       How has your suffering led you to your holy calling in life?

ACTS 14 SUFFERING STRENGTHENS & ENCOURAGES

September 25

ACTS 14

19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. – Act14:19-23

ACTS 14 SUFFERING STRENGTHENS & ENCOURAGES

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

If you find yourself in the deepest and most painful trial

Don’t despair but brace yourself for you will be strengthened

There is an upside to suffering and that is encouraging

Hardships can build up your strength and character

The road to God’s kingdom is a narrow gate

Suffering is one way that you can go through it.

In this account, we see how Paul and his followers were being stoned and dragged out of the city. What cruelty he had to bear so that he can bring the gospel to that city and make disciples. Someone who used to be persecuting Christians is now himself being persecuted for spreading the Good News. How many believers do we know who would bear such stoning? I’m sure, many Christian evangelists and missionaries experience some sort of persecution. Interestingly, Paul seemed to be more motivated to get into that city where he was stoned. He knew that this city needed to hear more of the gospel than anywhere else. Their stoning didn’t derail him from doing his mission. In verse 21, it seemed like they made many more disciples after that incident. It also became a way of strengthening the believers as they pressed on to such persecutions.

We clearly saw in this account how such suffering had led to their strength and encouragement to press on and do their mission. How often do we view persecution and difficulties with this kind of mindset? It is easy to just pull back when things don’t go right with our plans. Paul sets a great example for any believer to not let any hindrances or obstacles stop a follower of Christ from spreading the gospel and making disciples. It clearly is not a human feat but a divine work of the Spirit that made Paul and the disciples persist in doing the kingdom work for God. When we bear the burdens that we face, we allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen us to accomplish the work that God assigns for us to do. It makes one resilient and strong when they face adversities head on instead of avoiding them.

REFLECTION

·       How does suffering make us stronger and become an encouragement to others?

2 CORINTHIANS 12 THE COMFORT ENSUING FROM SUFFERING

September 24

2 CORINTHIANS 12

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers,of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.  – 2 Corinthians 12:3-8

2 CORINTHIANS 12 THE COMFORT ENSUING FROM SUFFERING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As we journey through life, we encounter suffering

It is an inevitable element of life that is unchanging

But we can use such challenges to keep us growing

Instead of keeping us stuck and procrastinating`

The comfort ensuing these trials is that Jesus triumphed

The salvation plan of God became fulfilled when he died

Like Christ, believers will receive that comfort when he comes again

Let us bear the pain because the gain is much more than we can imagine.

The trouble with suffering is the pain that comes with it. Why is it so painful when we face trials and hardships in life? It is the same pain we experience when we lose someone or something we love so much. It is the pain of loss and the grief that follows such absence of that fulfillment of that longing. Otherwise, we don’t feel pain over things we don’t care about. What are we actually losing when we suffer for righteousness’ sake? We lose the flesh and all the lusts and cravings and since we are all partly physical, there is a part of us that was deprived of giving in to that natural tendency. By nature, we don’t choose what is good for us but we are inclined to want something that is forbidden. Just like how Adam and Eve took the forbidden fruit because of their desire to know what God knows, it is innate in us to want what we cannot have. This is why any temptation entices us to take what is forbidden. This was why God created laws for us to follow so we don’t fall into the trap of the enemy. If we obey those laws and commands, we are able to see how it is a gift of God for his people to live within the boundaries of righteousness and be protected from evil. In Ephesians 6, the Lord gave us full armor so that we can face trials, hardships and temptations in the light of Christ’s suffering. We can weaponize the evil one with all that is needed so we can stay on the path towards the eternal life promised to us. Let us be comforted knowing that all those who believe in Christ will triumph over suffering which are caused by the evil one.

REFLECTION

  • Share some comfort you have received after suffering for righteousness’ sake.

1 CORINTHIANS 10 SUFFERING: AN ENDURANCE TEST

September 23

1 CORINTHIANS 10

13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

                                                                                – 1 Corinthians 10:13-22

1 CORINTHIANS 10 SUFFERING: AN ENDURANCE TEST

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When we face many trials and hardships in life

We can be sure that the Lord never forsakes or leaves us

Examine if your adversity is caused by idolatry and other sins

If it is, your suffering is a result of such evils, so you need to repent

But if you suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be delivered

It becomes an endurance test so you can press on to grow your character

Rejoice and be glad when you experience difficulties and injustices

The Lord never allows anything that you won’t be able to handle.

In this account, Paul comforts the Corinthian believers. He did not want them to despair when they encounter temptations or trials and think that they are the only ones experiencing such difficulties. He wanted them not to think that their suffering is not unique and isolated that will lead them to feel hopeless. He points out that the Lord will not allow his covenant people to be defeated by these enticements to sin. He reassures them that the Lord will never leave his own people because he protects them and ensures their safety. But Paul also reminds them that they must not be idolaters and remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross to give them the strength and to endure these adversities because they are going to test their faith.

Paul gave clear examples of how idolatry leads to spiritual adultery by asking them questions in verses 21-22 such as “Shall we provoke the Lord? Are we stronger than he?” It is a great reminder of their covenant with God where they will only serve him and be faithful to the One who delivered them from their slavery from the Egyptians. We can also ask the same questions to ourselves so that we will never forget what God did for his people and continue to stay faithful in serving only the Lord their God.

REFLECTION

·       Share some suffering you’ve endured that was a result of your faith in God.

MATTHEW 5 IF YOU SUFFER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

September 22

MATTHEW 5

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so thatthey may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.   –  Matthew 5:10-16

MATTHEW 5 IF YOU SUFFER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

If you suffer for the sake of the gospel, rejoice and be glad

There is a reward that is awaiting you that is so great

You will inherit the kingdom of heaven when you are maltreated

Those who were insulted for righteousness’ sake receives this as well

You are salt of the earth and you bring what is right in this world

You are also the light of the world where you illuminate the dark

So, take heart when you are faced with adversities and trials

It will lead you to the kingdom of the new heaven and the new earth.

In this account, we hear Jesus giving his Sermon on the Mount and one of the things that he stressed upon the believers is when he told them that the kingdom of heaven will belong to all those who are persecuted or abused. Why did Jesus emphasize3 those who are being persecuted as heirs of the kingdom of God? He was explaining to them that all trials they are undergoing for righteousness’ sake while they are still alive here on earth will pave the way to the promised eternal life when the time comes.

As humans, it is second nature for us to avoid suffering and insults. We defend ourselves and ensure that our reputation is not tarnished by others. But that is not the kind of suffering or persecution Jesus was talking about here. It is suffering for the sake of being marginalized or mocked because you follow the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the pain that comes when people misunderstand you or laugh at your faith. It is when you bear in silence those scoffers and mockers when they attack your belief and your Lord. I used to be reactive to those who attack my Lord, but now I have learned that God is our defender. He doesn’t need to be defended with arguments and proving to others that he is the only One true God. The truth will speak for itself. It doesn’t need to be explained because God gave us the word that any simple person can understand what it says. To suffer in silence and let the Spirit of the Lord deal with all these wicked accusations towards God is the right response to these ungodly acts against God.

REFLECTION

  • Share insights as to how silence can be your best defense when being mocked for God’s sake.

PSALM 119 SEEKING GOD’S LAWS WHILE SUFFERING

September 21

PSALM 119

65 You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

                                                                                        – Psalm 119:65-72

PSALM 119 SEEKING GOD’S LAWS WHILE SUFFERING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When life is very comfortable and convenient

We might miss our need for a Higher Being

When we suffer, we begin to see our helplessness

Then we will remember God’s guidance in his precepts

Without the law of the Lord, we will all be lost

During hardships it is good for us to grieve the loss

Depending on God during adversities lead to endurance

Meditating on God’s commands brings truth and resilience.

It is in 1 John 2:15-17 that I’d like to explain the meaning of the following verses in this Psalm. We are told not to love the world. What does loving the world mean? Unless we know that this is, we will not be aware that we are displeasing God or that we might be provoking him to wrath. Verse 16 of this verse spells out “desires of the flesh, desires of the eyes, and pride of life.” These are things that we want and long for that belong to the physical and material world. What might be some examples of this? Wanting to be wealthy or rich is a perfect example of this. When you want more than what God has already given you, you are missing the blessings around you because your focus is on something more than what you already have. Desires of the eyes may be a longing to possess a certain visual appearance or wanting to consume what the eyes want to feast on, it could be a beautiful object that you crave to own or a physical appearance that you would want to have instead of what you already have. An example of pride of life are achievements such as skill, prowess in any endeavor. If you tend to boast about what you think is your work and forget that these are all gifts from God, then you have that pride of life. John says that all these desires belong to the world and aren’t from God. All comforts and conveniences in this world are earthly and not divine. The psalmist tells us that when we are suffering, we can reflect on God’s laws so we can continue to live in righteousness, endure all that we face when we depend on God’s precepts.

REFLECTION

  • Why is it valuable for us to meditate and follow God’s laws especially during adversities?

1 PETER 1 WHEN GRIEVED WITH VARIOUS TRIALS

September 20

1 PETER 1

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

                                                                                        – 1 Peter 1:3-9

1 PETER 1 WHEN GRIEVED WITH VARIOUS TRIALS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you are faced with much adversities and trials

You will have a chance to grow and your faith to be tested

And when you have the patience to endure these miseries

Your character will be molded into your Creator’s likeness

So, celebrate when grieved with various kinds of trials

It leads you to the path towards the new heaven and new earth.

Why do we usually avoid trials and sufferings as humans? That is part of our sin nature. We don’t like discomfort and change. We get attached to what we know and are familiar with. But God didn’t create us to be afraid of hardships because God gave us love, a sound mind and of power according to 2 Timothy 1:7. We weren’t given fear, it was a result of sin that made us fearful. What many unbelievers fail to see is the opportunity to mature themselves when they face these hardships head on.
The world calls it “adulting,” which according to sources, is an informal slang term that means doing the boring, responsible, and practical tasks required to live as a grown-up. Many people want to stay in their comfort zones where they were taken care of by their caregivers as they were growing up. They remain stunted in their growth and never become adults. Resilience can only be built when we face hardships, otherwise, we stay rigid and unchanged. We need to face obstacles to grow otherwise, we stay stuck.

Suffering is an important ingredient to maturing our faith according to many bible verses. It tests our faith. Do you notice that when people go through adversities and feel helpless, some remember to pray even though they have never done it before. Some unbelievers begin to have the desire to reach out to some higher being because they do not know what to do. In other words, they have no control over such situations and they still need to do something about it. They end up going to God or some other deities so they can alleviate the grief that they feel facing such difficulties. We need these trials to mature.

REFLECTION

·       Why is it necessary to face suffering as a test in our faith? What happens when we don’t?