What Type of Suffering Are Those Who Are Totally Committed Afflicted with? 4-11-25

This was the first question out of several that I have been challenged with. So, let’s dive right into some scriptural examples. But first, let it be known, that some suffering is not always because of ungodly actions; the Bible speaks of the righteous or godly suffering, and there a different ways people suffer.

I found approximately one hundred scriptures that were related to suffering. Examples of suffering that comes with living holy and righteous life.

Romans 5:3-5 -Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. James 1:2-4 - Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect [mature] and complete, lacking in nothing.

2 Corinthians 12:10 - 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. Romans 12:12 -Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 8:18 -For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Those who live godly will suffer – there is a difference in being placed in position of godliness by God than walking godliness. However, suffering comes from God to build our character (mature us) and draw us closer to Hm and more beneficial for His kingdom. No pain, no gain- our experiences help others and it builds their faith.  Also, for those who practice godliness, there is suffering.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:10-12). 

Job was the only other person in Biblical history that suffered more than any other human being. Jesus Christ suffered more than anyone, therefore, we will never go through anything that He hasn’t gone through (Hebrews 4:15). Isaiah 53:3 - He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Let’s talk about rewards. Do you think it is fair for those who are not obedient to receive the same reward as the obedient children of God. That doesn’t make sense. In the eternal realm all of us will be with Christ even if we didn’t do anything to gain rewards. However, the status of our eternal state will be different.

Remember this, God made Adam king of the earth, and that plan never changed when it comes to the eternal realm. The government will be on Jesus’ shoulders……(Isaiah 9:6). Jesus Christ will rule as the King, and we will rule under His authority as kings.

Proof of rulership in the eternal realm- And so it was that when He returned, having received the kingdom, He then commanded these servants, to whom He had given the money, to be called to him, that He might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’  

And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas [currency].’ Likewise, he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’ (Luke 18:15-19).Please read verses 12-14. The faithful will be rewarded!

His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org