Why Am I Suffering, and How Can I Get Through it?

01/23/24 • 22 min

Have you been through a tough season of suffering? Are you experiencing significant suffering right now? In this episode, I wrestle with why we suffer, and share realities about suffering that can help us get through it.
Some of the Scripture I reference in this episode:
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13).
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).
“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, & establish you”
(1 Peter 5:10).
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction...” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

If you're interested in learning more about me, or to schedule a counseling appointment (either in person, or remotely using Zoom), or to arrange a speaking engagement, reach out to me at my website at www.robboram.com, or text or call me at (805) 312-8715.

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Previous Episode

How Can I Cope with my Loneliness?

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Are you struggling with feelings of loneliness? All of us do. In this episode, I explain how, with God's help, you can not only cope with these feelings, but even allow Him to use them for good in your life.
Some of the biblical references I use in this episode include:
Psalm 31:1 (David's cry to the Lord)
Matthew 27:46 (Jesus' cry to His Father)
Psalm 139 (your homework!)
Psalm 145:18 (God's promise to those who call on Him)
I encourage you to read more about the life and ministry of Elizabeth Elliot.

Next Episode

Why Do I Feel the Way I Do, Are My Feelings Right or Wrong, and What Do I Do with Them?

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Do you ever feel confused, ashamed, or frustrated about how you feel? Have you ever wondered why you feel a certain way? Are you struggling with how to deal with your emotions? Should you deny them, ignore them, or go with them? In this episode, I address the issue of what to do with our feelings, and how we can learn to manage them in a godly, biblical way.
Here's what God says about our hearts:
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind" (Jeremiah 17:9-10).
Some instances when Jesus exhibited various emotions:
John 11:1-44 (the death of Lazarus)
Luke 22:39-46; Matthew 26:36-46 (Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane)
John 2:13-17; Matthew 21:12-13 (Jesus clears our the temple)
Jesus understands what we go through:
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are- yet He did not sin" (Hebrews 4:15).
David's prayer can be ours as well:
"Create in me a clean heart, O Lord" (Psalm 51:10).