We previously considered how suffering can be for our good. We also discussed that the Lord can and does use a person's suffering for His glory by advancing His kingdom plans on earth. In addition, we learned that our Heavenly Father uses suffering to produce a barrier between us and sin in His children. It creates a distaste for the sinful desires that satan peddles as a way to capture our souls in its evil plans.
Last time, Abraham had the spotlight, but today, we focus on King David and his son, King Solomon.
David endured maltreatment at the hands of his family, so much so that he was an afterthought when Prophet Samuel came to anoint God's choice for Israel's next King. Then, his father-in-law, a man he'd faithfully served in battle, hunted him for years with murderous intent. The Book of Psalms is filled with his anguish about how he was treated while on the run, waiting to step into the role God chose him for.
Through his trials, David learned to rely on God, instead of his intelligence or strength. This was why he didn't kill his father-in-law when the occasion arose. God also heralded him as a man who was pleasing to Him. David left such a legacy, becoming the standard for every new king. God instructed them all to behave like David to be blessed.
Solomon inherited the throne and sought the Lord for wisdom to rule (1 Kings 3). God was impressed by the purity of his petition and promised him exceedingly and abundantly more than he'd requested - wealth, honor, and long life (if he obeyed God). The Lord kept his promises. He was known, and remains known, for his wisdom and wealth.
Unlike his father, the Bible did not illustrate long-suffering and challenges in his pre-kingship life. Alas, much of his reign was dominated by sin. He married hundreds of foreign wives contrary to God's word in Deuteronomy 7:3-4 and began to serve their false gods (Exodus 20:3; 5). Solomon entrenched idolatry and the worship of foreign gods in the land, which angered the Lord and led to the splitting of the kingdom with his son, Rehoboam, receiving the smaller portion.
The distinction between King David and King Solomon has been simplified for brevity. Nevertheless, their stories highlight how challenging times curb the flesh and cause people to walk in greater fear of the Lord. That in turn transforms their nature, making them less desirous of sin. Apostle Peter taught in 1 Peter 4:1 - whoever suffers in the body is done with sin...
Don't be quick to reject the suffering God permits. In such cases, His objective is not to punish but to build up. Therefore, let Him teach what needs to be learned during a season of struggle and be done with sin. Submit to His lead through every stage and portion of life. so He steers away from what creates unnecessary suffering. Far too many fail in this regard and end up enduring pain that was never part of His plan. But God is faithful. Even when mistakes have been made, He is ready to rescue and save those who genuinely repent and call out to Him. Praise the Lord.
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I hope our opinion on suffering is shifting. Obviously, none of us want to struggle but as God deems it fit to permit the challenges of life, let us start trusting Him that there will be reward for our troubles,
With that said, use this opportunity to give God praise as we pray:
Thank You Father for every challenge, trial, and tribulation. Thank You for the moments that made me cry. They pushed me closer to You. What the devil meant for evil You turned around for my good. By Your grace, I understand that my moments of suffering have brought me closer to my breakthrough. None shall be wasted but will glorify You and exalt You. Father, I use this opportunity to pray for a double reward. Your word states in Zechariah 9:12 - Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you. Lord, hear and fulfill Your word. As You restored Job doubly, do the same for me as You usher me out of struggles into Your blessings, IJMN, Amen.