THE PURPOSE IN SUFFERING

John 16:33 KJV
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Illustration:
The story of a man with an outdated ticket boarded on a train.

A. TO SEARCH US THAT WE MAY BE TESTED.

Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV
And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

Proverbs 17:3 KJV
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.

1. The Means Of Testing
a. GOD USES TRIAL TO TEST US.
1 Peter 4:12-13 KJV
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: [13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

b. GOD USES TROUBLE TO TEST US.
Job 14:1 KJV
Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.
Psalm 50:15 KJV
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

c. GOD USES TRIBULATION TO TEST US.
Romans 5:3 KJV
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;


Devotion Excerpt from the book "In Silence, I Cry" by Yan T. Wee