This is powerful, however, it's easy to forget in the midst of suffering. I need to listen to this every day until I don't forget that the suffering is to prepare me for the weight of His Glory. Thank you Jesus.
Ask ourselves that question, without bringing up the Bible! What is suffering doing for us? he should have said, what is suffering doing to us? it's causing chaos, death, violence and on and on. The bible says we're supposed to suffer, mmmm.
This kept coming to me!! When I tried to stop smoking. Trust me guys. No matter how bad it seems. Christ is more than anything on this earth. Focus on the spirit to break your sins. With Gods help, you can defeat sin. But hit me up if y’all need some help! I am here for you! We all suffer with Christ! You aren’t alone in this battle! Satan wants to devour us when we are weak and alone!!!
Suffering can also cause insomnia, anxiety disorder, insecurity, depression, chemical I balances within the body including brain chemistry... I'm sorry but don't tell someone who's truly suffering that it makes them stronger. It takes a piece of your life and has consequences that can be traumatic and uncontrollable. It's not about seeing the bright side or cheering up. Don't tell someone who's suffering that it makes them stronger. It's just not true, it's an ignorant comment and insensitive
@@DebRoo11 You’re not looking with your spiritual eyes. You’re looking at this life as the only one. Your suffering produces either endurance for yourself or it lends strength to someone who sees your faith in God despite your suffering. Listen again to the message. Abide in Christ Jesus the Word.
@@Mel-rj3tj Actually no. You're assuming about who I am, what i believe and insinuating I don't know my scripture or have a good relationship with my Lord and saviour. Going through trials yes... I'm not talking about trials. I'm talking about long suffering some live with. Long term suffering can cause all the things I mentioned regardless of trying to see the bright side. Some suffer through things others will never experience or relate to. Unfortunately emotional and biochemical conditions are a consequence of living in this fallen world for some. It IS insensitive to say to someone with these realities that its all for the best especially when they're still in need of relief or healing. Mourn with those who mourn, use discernment and meet people where they are, not where you think they should be. If you can't relate then at least try to empathize with someone who's living it and don't assume they aren't as knowledgeable and sincere about the word as you believe you are. That was really a cringe thing for you to imply. All the best
Just got news of our second miscarriage. I came here to try and make sense of it... it is hard to receive this message right now but thank you God for speaking through Pastor Piper 🙏
My wife had a miscarriage 3 years ago the day after we saw the doctor who told us the baby was fine. Saw the heartbeat and everything. We were utterly devastated. One year to the day of the miscarriage, my wife found out she was pregnant and we're now about to celebrate his 2nd birthday in January. Remember everything is on His time. God bless you in your time of need.
@@EenChristJesus congratulations to you Rod, but I’m sorry, did you think that would encourage me? It doesn’t help AT ALL. It comes off more like gloating. You could have written that on your own post.
God help me suffer over my issues of lust, lack of discipline, fight for purity, for self-control, for Spiritual produce in Christ, for obedience in Christ, for abiding in Jesus Christ, for this insightful view of it all as small and temporarily compared to the everlasting joy of Jesus Christ! 30 to 70 years of shipwrecks, persecutions, beatings, cursings, burnings, depression, sadness, loss, death, betrayals - violations - sinister plots - Satanic buffettings; if I suffer all of these and more and receive GLORY of Christ in heaven and my reward, a share of His oil of gladness, then 5 years of heavenly glory with Christ I say will fade these experiences away! I dare say even a day! God I pray I learn to obey you fully and completely and soundly to your cause that I may see ahead your glory! Let homeless come! Let this courtship end if it is not for either of us! Let me sleep in my car or walk the streets for days or months - as long as my pain transforms me and conforms me to focus on studying your Way, Your Truth and Your Life to show myself approved; I am used to witness the inerrant and infallible wisdom, knowledge and words of my God and Saviour and I mature in Christ through wisdom, understanding, obedience, abiding in your Spirit, I will be joyed! Please do not let me go GOD! PLEASE DO NOT LET ME GO!
Good morning Brethren, Grace, Peace, and LOVE in CHRIST JESUS, GOD Over All, Blessed Forever, Amen. i am paralyzed and happen to be suffering quite exquisitely this morning. YHWH Blessed this to me; just as my pain peaks and i am talking with HIM, this pops up on my phone, right after Psalm 8, which i had been thinking of singing to HIM. May YHWH Bless you with the same great GRACE upon Grace HE Has Given to me and all the more, in CHRIST JESUS, The HOLY HOLY HOLY [ONE]. Peresever till the end, Magnifying The SOVEREIGN SON, The LORD CHRIST JESUS, to the Glory of GOD The HOLY FATHER, by The ALMIGHTY HOLY SPIRIT.
I have been greatly suffering for months over the death of my daughter. That kind of pain is the worst thing a parent can imagine. It seems so meaningless and pointless for a young.person with so many years ahead to die. I have never prayed or turned to GOD as much as I have since then. This is a lifetime affliction for me. I wish with all.my heart that I had turned to GOD years ago to help my child. I only prayed when she was.in trouble, when she improved I forgot about GOD. I neither read the bible or.prayed consistently. I have asked GOD to forgive me for taking him for granted.I.only truly came to GOD in my brokenness. I dont understand why this way.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I don’t know you, but everything inside me wants to tell you i love you and I hear you. I don’t have all the answers, but I know the sovereign Lord of the universe will protect you from any intimidating, any terrifying reality. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for those who love Him.”
I needed this especially today I’ve been suffering daily for the last 7 years over something I find very difficult to speak about and it’s easy to get discouraged and want to give up on hope but Amen 🙏
Just think of Suffering the Lord God Jesus Christ went through to cleanse us of our sins. Our suffering can't even compare to what He went through for us.
Suffering made us to earnestly Pray from the heart to the LORD GODFATHER in CHRIST.and it made us to be meek and lowly in Christ having the Longing to Heavenly Places and be with GOD in Christ, the CREATOR.
I've been making bad choices lately and the evil one has been beating me up attacking my mind taunting me in dreams it's really draining but Jesus Christ is 👑 and I love Jesus ❤
Thank you. I really needed to hear this today. Praise you Lord 🙌🙌 for being so good to me and for using your faithful servant, John Piper, to give me the words that I needed right now to not lose heart. 💞
What about 24 years of debilitating anxiety!! Im tyred! Exhausted, I want to dye, yes I recognize that i m a sinner, but I can’t imagine stay that way the rest of my life! Please I need divine help. Im loosing faith!! 🙏
I'm suffering with anxiety also, and I have suicidal thoughts; but for some reason I can't do it! I tried once ( October last year) but I believe that although I'm suffering God STOPS me from trying again, because something or someone seems to turn up to stop me. I'm not saying it's easy, because it isn't; but even though I ask God to let me die, I know He LOVES me too much to let go of me. I'm suffering because of a NARC, but I believe that WHEN I fight this WAR that I'm in, I'm going to be so strong that even the devil will back off and run in the opposite direction. The harder the devil fights the more strength GOD gives. Remember....." When I am weak, I am strong"
I am too and it will get better take life day by day the future is in Gods hands you just have to worry about today and I promise life will get better !
Prayers are answered, listen here, You're not a sinner anymore if you believe in Jesus "Romans 6:6. Our Old Man (Or our sin nature) has been crucified, that the body of flesh may pass away that we may not be slaves of sin anymore" Another verse in the same chapter (around 2 or 3) says that since we have been united with him in death so therefore we may be united with him in life when he was raised that we may walk in newness of life." You are able to walk in newness of life, but your previous mindset of when you were a slave to sin prevents you, just walk in newness of life because it's not that hard. For you to do that just get into the word of God "Meditating on it day and night." "For you shall not let this book of the law leave your mouth but you shall meditate on it day and night"
I'm so sorry you feel like this and have suffered so much. I'm hurting so much also right now. I just want to send you a hug and say all will be well, you are seen and so loved.
I have had my own share of suffering the past two years. Very tempted to think and say something like that. Why not? Because Jesus died for my suffering and one day will end and I’ll be well.
Is it actually working? It’s hard to tell. I am just taking it day by day. Today is not so bad. 😵💫😔 Thank you for this message. To God be the glory 🙏😇 Jesus is HaMashiach
One obvious point, when you suffer you know hurt and pain and that teaches you compassion. Now that can’t possibly explain all suffering but at least 90% of it is positive in that you know the pain of others. 10% just doesn’t make any sense. But it does not mean it is not the will of the perfect God
Yes, I have been there ... Mine was the excruciating pain of VERY SEVERE Depression of the worst kind...my mind was so fragile that I felt like hanging on a string for dear life!! I understand why Christian pastors and others take their lives. The worst kind of mental torture and extreme pain that YOU CANNOT BEAR IT.
I love listening to John Piper and I've learned more from him in one yr than from a dozen pastors in 14 yrs. I want to seek another church, but I wanted to confirm.. Is he Baptist?
Yes, reformed theology though, so that goes beyond just the baptist denomination. Many non-denominational churches ("community" churches, "bible" churches, etc) are also reformed theology. I'm in a reformed theology church that is a "Community Church" (non-denominational). But I'll tell you right now that John Piper is one in a million- if you go in expecting your leaders to match that, you will be disappointed. I've been in over 20 different churches over the course of my life due to jobs and moves and such... and I can tell that you will not find another Piper. BUT you will find others who will guide and encourage you on a personal level in the same way- just with less fancy and inspiring words and more personalized, genuine interactions and relationships. So don't go looking for a Piper (but keep watching his sermons on TH-cam!! ;). Just go looking for those of similar mind and heart and maybe watch some Piper with them too. lol May God bless you and fill you with joy in your new church!!! Sending prayers and love your way!!
I'm curious as to why I should trust a God who hides himself and ignores every request I make of him while he gives his most opulent blessings to the most wicked and unrighteous people who never have to ask or wait for them and will certainty never thank God for them. The only purpose my suffering creates is more anger and resentment towards God. "Hey God - How about trying a carrot once for a change?"
true. at best he just doesn't care, at worst he's the one causing the suffering. i prayed every day, read my bible, and worshiped him, all i ever asked for was happiness despite what's going on inside of my heart, but nothing, same pain, same sorrow, god can't be trusted for anything
All trails,seperation,tribulations and mocking will always separate a believer from god and believers have no choice but live as the unbelievers live in this worl
This is so absolutely false that I am wondering if I misunderstood it... many great Christians have said that if they had not suffered, they would never have truly known God, and I have to concur...
@@sarahgriffiths8267 I have suffered all a lot in my life, and all this suffering has taken a devastating toll on my physical and mental health. I`m not a person I used to be. Now, I`m more bitter, angry and frustrated than I ever was. It doesn`t always go like you said.
@@sapereaudeart3664cowardice, huh? Didn't know that suffering intensely for 20 years and having anger and contempt for it not getting any better, was the definition of cowardice. You watch your entire life fall apart and you fall on your knees and plead for God with no answer, and then you tell me what the fuck a coward is. You give up what's precious to you to help others, only to find more tribulation. Go ahead and try it. Take Job's test and then speak. Watch everything fall apart and then try to smile.
I have a question. I was talking to a none believer, and the reason she doesn't believe in Jesus Christ is because of the path he puts us to. She looks a homeless man and says why did God put him in this path? Why did God put a Child through rape and abuse? Why does my child have Autism and have to suffer through out his life? If God was real and good why put us through so much suffering?
My name is hepsi recently lost my beloved husband who is pastor at the age of 46 and I am childless left alone really facing hell on earth eagerly waiting for heavenly call I desperately need eternal rest
I've lost my dad, grandmother and my beloved wife in the past 3 months. I miss my dad and grandmother but their deaths were more in the natural order of a fallen earth (dad was 77, grandma 94). But my wife was only 55 (I'm 47), she was my best friend and it hurts so bad and my heart is shattered. I keep hoping the Lord will take me home also. The pain is unbearable. I wish I could be more encouraging to you but I just wanted you to know that you're not alone. And God is with us, although He may feel distant now. I'll be praying for you each night.
@@jasonbrown3598 thank you so much for your encouring word, sorry for your lose, I really appreciate you, even in your hard times you are encouring some like me God bless you brother. 🙏
@@jasonbrown3598 Yall know the Apostle Paul was pressed beyond measure in Thessalonians too. He said that he had the sentence of death in himself, that he may have life with Christ. He said that this life was temporary but the next was eternal. He said that God is a comforter to everyone in any trouble. And I can tell you from experience that death takes people you had hoped it wouldn't, at least not yet. But they are a gift, all of them. Set down sorrow, lest it destroy your ministry, your chance to lay up treasures in heaven. You need enough to feed and house yourself and those who have gone on before you when they visit you in your mansion. Jesus said let the dead bury the dead and follow me.
What time is it what God suffering can push the father away from him. It’s because of the way he is doing it or allowing it to happen. How does God fill when you get angry with him because of the suffering.
alot of people end up in hell due to there reaction to there suffering is ungodly. so why would God allow the suffering if he knew it would cause them bitterness and denial of christ or cause sinful actions out of desperation of suffering?
psmith I THINK its because God gives us a choice. maybe He doesn't want to alter our decision using His power but instead leave it to our deep desire to stick to God during times of suffering. no doubt, God gives us trials and tribulations because He loves us. this also tests our faith and our true desires. He'll see if we find rest in Him in the midst of pain or if we'll run to the world and our own power (which is not much..)
With due respect, how do you know that a lot of people end up in hell due to their reaction? Have you asked them to find out how they got there? Seems that God’s grace is a little bit bigger than any damage that people can do by having an ungodly reaction to suffering. Again, with due respect, you should be careful when making absolute statements like that, as if you are God. People can screw up and then repent. People do it every day.
@@regul8or71 How do you know, they didn't ? He asked a legitimate question. Why does God allow too much suffering in our lives? That too much pain changes a person to the core. Not only he may never be able to become more humble and Christ-like, the chances that he'll go mad or commit suicide are quite high. If he loves us so much, why doesn't he interfere and help us to carry our crosses? Where is his " fatherly love " ?
Defiant Seagull It seems you misunderstood me. But I think Jane Jeoung addresses it above pretty well. I will add that God ALWAYS gives us a way out (1 cor 10:13)(even though the way out might be uncomfortable/painful/challenging etc), and He has given us the power to face any challenge/struggle (2 Timothy 1:7). Im gonna leave it at that, cuz this convo could carry on forever. Respectfully.
I will be sure to convey that to all victims, all pain being equal since we all go through it. Kid in a car wreck, its working for you! Wife raped in your yard? Rejoice! Your just looking at it wrong! Transient is right, get attached to nothing. Don't lose heart, you've got chores to do for the kingdom....
Sir I have never suffered because of my faith but I have had strangers and coworkwrs mistreat me and speak harshly to me. This always felt random. It left me wondering if I was acting in acc I rdance with God's purpose for my life. All I want is to know that these petty grievances that seem so random are in fact purposeful. Please advise
I know the feeling - both of you. I'm always struggled with being smaller, weaker, bullied, rejected, unpopular. I just wanted to share some scriptures that have helped me through the years. "Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-and the things that are not-to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him." 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 "Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12 "He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:2-6
The devil sometimes sends people to start accusations against you and evil communications so that he can get you focused on other things and feeling down. Don't let him distract you from the joy of your salvation and the opportunity to do good to those who hate you and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you. For in so doing you shall heap coals of fire upon their heads. Love them anyways dear one and may Gkd give the strength and power.
The Only reason “things that are unseen are eternal” is because the unseen can’t be demonstrated to be factual. There is no way to determine if it is factually “real”. Thus the unseen is easy to hypothesize and the doubt associated with that construct a never ending stream of belief as no one can demonstrate it’s “not” true. Unfortunately, those making “positive” claims (such as a belief in the supernatural) HAVE the burden to present at least some evidence for their belief. Otherwise there’s no legitimate reason to “trust” an idea.
My lovely wife went home to be with The Lord Jesus Christ in June 2022. I was missing her so much until I asked our Lord to let us meet again. I prayed for this to happen on several occasions. Then one night as I slept in my bed I was awakened and realized that I couldn't move my body. I was not fully awake yet, but I was being held down. I tried to move my right arm but it wouldn't budge. I believe I was being held down by an unnatural force. I wasn't able to speak; even though I tried. So I began to ask Jesus to help me through my thoughts. I begin to try and move my right arm with all my strength. Suddenly my arm broke free, I shouted HALLELUJAH and my whole body became free. I arose from the bed and saw myself walking as in a vision. As I walked out of this dark bedroom I came into a hallway. As I continued down the hallway I noticed some clothes had been discarded as though someone had taken them off and left them on the floor. I continued down the hallway and came to another bedroom on my right. As I entered the bedroom door I saw my wife sitting on a white bed. She was dressed in a beautiful white robe. She did not notice me as I entered the room because she was looking away into a bright heavenly light. As I sat beside her on the bed, she turned to me and we embraced one another and reclined on the bed. After holding her in my arms for a few moments, I awakened from the dream. But I know that it wasn't a dream; it was God's answer to my prayers. I began to praise the Lord Jesus and thank Him for answering my prayers. For allowing me to see my sweet angel again. It is written that we have not because we ask not. Why don't you ask Jesus to answer your prayers? He can do more than we can ask or hope for. Peace and blessings
making sense of my husband leaving me for selfish reasons, 2 years down in our marriage with no kids. so hard to tell what to plan or expect in life. i'm turning 30 and really don't know how to start again,
@Steel Rain Then why are we even here? Just to suffer! Still doesn't make sense. And oh I know, to keep us away from the bad things in life. How's that even supposed to work with what you call free will?
Except its NOT, light, or momentary. It's been 62 years, and I'm 62. What I know, in the only plane I've ever existed, is, it's s NOT, light, or momentary. And I did not get the benefit of a literal visit from Jesus. I care not about money, or woman, or fame, or substances, or entertainment, or fine food, I ONLY, want to go about the Lords work. But I am being destroyed, and have been since birth. No one, in the bible, has much on me, in the way of suffering. You would not believe my story. I don't. But it's true. Sadly.
1. From an eternal perspective, 62 or 162 years is momentary. 2. From Hell's perspective, our earthly suffering is light. When you know and believe that: 1. Eternity, & 2. Hell are both real, you are able to see from Heaven's perspective.
Please don't it is the enemy which we all know come to steal, kill,.and destroy. The devil is a liar. God loves you and so do I. Your life is worth living. Speak life. God bless you.
Sin is an act of offence against God n injuring others will be forgiven if u repent n believe Jesus died 4 ur sins n arose frm the tomb on the 3rd day. C ' repentance' in Google!!,"...
The audience laughing in the background is cringing .If John piper's preaching is truly received and understood by them, it wouldnt sound funny ,rather its a wake up call and it should sound terrifying for we ourselves do those same sinful acts on earth without even realizing it. So much to learn from His Deep Faith
Don't talk to me about pain I live with excruciating pain daily. Fibromyalgia neuropathy severe arthritis in my hands 6 back fractures. That will never heal. I would appreciate prayers to keep me going.
Yes, Jesus is the Great Physician. We want the healing so badly BUT God may not heal you ... Because It is HIS WILL to be done in your life and not your will...
Suffering is suffering. Its not preparing me for anything or working Good in me. Nothing about it is good. Its just darkness. Abandonment. There will be no help.
The only thing that “gets us” into heaven is putting our faith into Jesus. “Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”. Also, check out Philippians 1:29. Our primary goal life is to become like Jesus (romans 8:29). God has an uncanny way of using our suffering for this purpose (Romans 8:28)
When Paul talked about enduring to the end and not giving up the good fight, he meant that as we grow old and have to deal with bodies that hurt and are diseased, that we don’t blame God and shake our fist at Him in anger, but realize that it’s all part of this fallen world. We know that this suffering is “light and momentary “ compared to eternity. We haven’t had to feel the torture of the cross as Jesus did, and He accomplished it without complaining, so should we endure our suffering, smile thru it knowing eternity is just around the corner.
@@larrysauriol759 I hate when Christians say that !!! There are deaths that are far more gruesome...BTW Jesus wasn't the only one to be crucified. Two thieves were as well...In that time period crucifixion was a regular punishment
A LOT OF PEOPLE HATE GOD BECAUSE OF FALSE TEACHERS AND INTERPRETATIONS OF THE SO CALLED GOOD BOOK. THE TRUTH OF JESUS AND THE WORLD AKA MATRIX IS WITHIN US I.E DISCERNMENT HENCE WHY ITS HOLLYWOOD'S JOB TO GASLIGHT YOUR INTELLIGENCE IF YOU HAVE ANY.
What is the reason for animal suffering? They have no sin to atone for. It cannot be justified. I’ve yet to have one Christian answer this with other than “ why are you fixated on animal suffering?”, making a mockery of the word ‘ human’.
bible says it CLEARLY even the animal kingdom ALSO SUFFERS 1 day all animals will become vegetarians as in the beginning days !!!! death shall be NO MORE [this is the fallen world full of sin]
I agree. It breaks my heart & I think they shouldn’t be allowed to suffer because they haven’t ever sinned. However, what I have been told (& I still struggle with this) is that it’s because Man has free will. God gave free will & will not remove that. Therefore people are able to do bad things…. and people do, because they have sinful natures & if unsaved, are influenced by demons. I often think that (even though humans are supposed to be the pinnacle of God’s creation) we are also the worst of it. No other being does evil things for the sake of it, but humans do it because they can, and some even get twisted pleasure from it. It’s an unfair world. I HATE the suffering of animals, ESPECIALLY when it’s at the hands of human beings!! The answer, however, will not come until heaven. So sorry not to be able to give a better answer, but (as much as I hate it) this does make sense…. It’s because of free will. ☹️😞💔💔💔
BE A CHILD OF GOD!!!!! FATHER JESUS CHRIST SAITH ALL SOULS REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST! ACTS 2 38 OF THE APOSTLES! NO SINNER'S PRAYER COMPLETES SALVATION - Z E R O!!!!! GENESIS 1:28 JOHN 8:24 2ND CORINTHIANS 5:19 AND MORE!!!! FATHER JESUS CHRIST ALONE IS GOD ALL BY HIMSELF THEREFORE ASK HIM ALONE PRAYERFULLY!!!!!
I totally agree. I’ll never know why or understand why God took my son from me. I do know that I will suffer til the day I die. It doesnt really make me love God too much at this point. I did before but now I am just bitter.
I've been afflicted two years, which is nothing compared to a whopping 14 years of suffering like the woman with an issue of blood in scripture. Yet these things don't move me because I'm not a mountain unto myself. I suffer just like everybody else. Yet I have a promise from God that tells me that if I suffer quietly and contented, trusting that he will deliver me and love me and help me irregardless, I will have treasure in heaven for something I can't control. Don't let bitterness rob you of faith and love and every good thing, just to lose your soul to be angry at God for thirty years and die a pointless death. You're gonna wish you had done something better with your life and probably already do.
@@lokilover5897 You were always going to lose your son because either he would have lost you or you would have lost him. This life isn't fair or kind to anyone and either way, someone would have been in pain. But if we start speaking of fair, isn't it fair that all men die, of every age? Does my suffering somehow equal payment in the eyes of God, to I shouldn't or people I love shouldn't die? We all have to face death for the wrongs we have done, but that doesn't have go be the end of the story. God can give you another son, and God can give you more life, and God can give you peace, but God has also given you a choice. Glorify me or perish. He gave you a commandment to forsaken all and follow him or perish forever in hell. Has that changed just because your son died? He has not rescinded his offer just because you have rescinded your love. Of we believe not, yet he abideth faithful, for he cannot deny himself. Amen and God bless
@@xavierthomas5835 This person lost their son, and you're going to tell them God can just give them another one? That they were going to lose their son anyway so who cares? I know you're a child of God Xavier, but you showed a complete lack of empathy towards this person here. I'm telling you this in love. You cannot just preach at people who have been through tragedy, and treat their troubles as if they're meaningless. I'm saying this as a brother in Jesus Christ.
@@xavierthomas5835 Remember what Jesus did at the tomb of Lazarus, when he saw all the Jews and his friends and family weeping. He was overcome with grief. Jesus is not hard hearted to the pain and loss of this world. He knows it intimately. Therefore he is kind and gentle to those who are hurting. Even if they sometimes resist his touch in their pain... God is patient with them.
@@thenameofthegame4037 Some people think that eternity is the best thing ever but it actually is not. Moreover, it`s even scarier and absurd when you realize that even if you get there, you may spend eternity with complete strangers.
Shall the thing that is formed say to the creator say, why have you made me thus? Ask him things concerning his sons and his daughters, the works of his hands ask ye him. For he has given us a sun of righteousness for healing and endless love for his glory. Amen
Think about when Jesus suffered. It made no sense from a worldly perspective. He was totally innocent, a supposed king and Messiah. But he was abandoned by all his followers. He was run through a kangaroo court and sentenced to death for no reason. Then he was crucified... he spent six long hours being tortured beyond what I can imagine. But think of his reward after dying in such a terrible way. Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to sit on the throne of heaven. He is literally in command of the entire universe. All people will one day bow to Jesus and acknowledge that his name is great. His sacrifice also made it possible for billions of people to be saved. Including you and me. Without his suffering, we would have no hope. But since he suffered, we have a hope that lasts forever. So actually, you're right. The end result of his suffering did not equal what he went through. It was so much greater... so far beyond "worth it" that you can't even compare the two. That's how it will be for us who love God. The end result of our suffering will be glory, honor, reward, and eternal life with Jesus, that will far outweigh the momentary troubles of this world.
We say not thanks for the pain or suffering on it’s own, but we can be become grateful and joyful for it when we see to fruits of it in sanctification and the eternal outcomes: ‘Indeed it was for my own peace that I had great bitterness; but You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back.’ Isaiah 38:17
Hey Carl. No the point of this message is about refinement not salvation. We are rescued from condemnation thru believing I’m Christ and His death. But we are refined and glorified and rewarded as a result of persevering thru suffering. That’s just what I see in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Barbara Freeman No good comes out of suffering? With due respect, that nullifies and contradicts romans 8:28 as well as James 1:2-4, among others. I think your doctrine is a bit off.
@Barbara Freeman I can testify that tremendous good comes from suffering if you let it do its work and don't resist it so much. I am not the woman I once was because suffering changed me, horrific suffering. But I tried submitting myself to God in, just offering it up to him like an injured child holding up a wound to it's mother with tears and sobs, wanting her to fix it. HE eventually healed the hurt, but he left it there long enough that I learned to deal differently with pain, with suffering, with my understanding of what life is about, with my understanding of what faith is about and what our faith is about. I feel like I was an ignorant (and arrogant) child before I went through the years of fiery trial, so to speak. There were times I was so broken I truly thought it would kill me. But oh, the changes that have come from it.... the spiritual transformation is something I cannot describe. IT has to be eperienced but you start to realize slowly, over time, that you are a completely different person. It's actually scary at first, because you wonder who this person is and what they are going to do! But it's truly profound. And you come out pretty fearless, with a gritty, hanging-on-for-dear-life kind of faith that is ever more difficult to shake. Embrace the suffering when it comes; let it do it's work! If someone had told me that when I was young, it might not have taken so much suffering to make these changes in me! You don't have to feel happy about it or be glad that it's happening, but don't fight the pain either or try to distract from it. Instead, let yourself sit with, feel it, understand it, etc. Let God do the work in suffering; you really don't have to. All you have to do is keep the faith, even if all you can do is lay in bed and cry- if you keep the faith, you can trust that he is doing his work, even in that place at that moment.
Eagle Eye Except that there is always a choice. It’s an inconvenient truth. I can provide various Scripture that show this if you’d like. In fact, the entire book of Job supports this.
Of course it`s not meaningless. From my pain and suffering I have learned that God is a tyrant and punishing entity. I`ll never, ever call God a "caring and loving father". That`s what I learned.
No you havent learned..God isnt some tyrant who punishes..repent and turn from this. You dont simply speak from hurt..but from a carnal careless faithless sinful heart. Jesus Christ is the answer in all pain and suffering
@@trevthegreat7176 Everyone speaks from his own experience, so I`m not an exception. From my personal experience, I can tell you that my whole life has been a series of devastating events. You know, I`ve been living in hell since I was born. I really wish I had never been born. What`s the purpose of my existence? Tell me. If I had known from the beginning that my life would be such a disaster, I would have opted for not being in this world. Life is beautiful, right? Yeah, it may be, but not for me.
@@eagleeye182 I empathize with your mindset. I used to curse God every single day, multiple times daily for giving me life. For reason of my misery I hated God with a burning hatred for throwing me into this existence as an unwilling participant. Sometimes to this day I am still tempted to distrust God unto curses and blasphemies. One thing I've learned is that giving into depression leads me downhill very fast. First I complain about life's difficulties (with grumblings, not groanings), then I wish I had never been born, then I curse the day I was born, then I direct my hatred of life & suffering toward the God who seems to be the source behind it all as the creator of my being. From there I walk in the most vile bitterness that I strongly suspect is demonic, angry that God allows me to exist feeling so tormented & distressed. All the while I long for death with all my being. This is the will of the adversary, who wants you to hate God. He was a liar from the beginning. Understand that his attacks are often sustained & gradual, so resist him early on and he will flee from you, before he bankrupts you morally/spiritually into despising God. God wants you to turn to Him and trust Him with your suffering so that it can be used for your eternal good. There is greater peace in trusting God with your problems. As scripture states, Happy is the man who trusts in the Lord. I don't expect this to change your mind. We all have to make the decision in our hearts whether we will humble ourselves and turn to God. Only then will He heal us, as promised in scripture. If you call out in repentance and ask Him to help you/change you he will do it, speaking from experience.
This is powerful, however, it's easy to forget in the midst of suffering. I need to listen to this every day until I don't forget that the suffering is to prepare me for the weight of His Glory. Thank you Jesus.
Amen 🙏
Me too. I sometimes forgot too because I’m too focused on my worry’s and anxiety about my suffering. Sometimes I feel prideful.
I tasted the most painful trials in my lifetime and accepted it as a gift from GOD to identify with my JESUS, my best friend, my ALL
I had to listen to this 4 times it felt so good
Great! Do you know who Thomas Watson is?
Ask ourselves that question, without bringing up the Bible! What is suffering doing for us? he should have said, what is suffering doing to us? it's causing chaos, death, violence and on and on. The bible says we're supposed to suffer, mmmm.
Amen !! I was just thinking I’ll need to replay this Thank you Jesus
th-cam.com/video/fDXULAlQ-9k/w-d-xo.html Check this one out.
@@Chirhopher no, who is that?
Suffering Produces Perseverance, Character, HOPE!!! THANK YOU, JESUS!!!
This kept coming to me!! When I tried to stop smoking. Trust me guys. No matter how bad it seems. Christ is more than anything on this earth.
Focus on the spirit to break your sins. With Gods help, you can defeat sin. But hit me up if y’all need some help! I am here for you! We all suffer with Christ! You aren’t alone in this battle! Satan wants to devour us when we are weak and alone!!!
@@elizaleski9618 could you expand on how you used the scripture to overcome smoking?
Suffering can also cause insomnia, anxiety disorder, insecurity, depression, chemical I balances within the body including brain chemistry... I'm sorry but don't tell someone who's truly suffering that it makes them stronger. It takes a piece of your life and has consequences that can be traumatic and uncontrollable. It's not about seeing the bright side or cheering up. Don't tell someone who's suffering that it makes them stronger. It's just not true, it's an ignorant comment and insensitive
@@DebRoo11 You’re not looking with your spiritual eyes. You’re looking at this life as the only one. Your suffering produces either endurance for yourself or it lends strength to someone who sees your faith in God despite your suffering. Listen again to the message. Abide in Christ Jesus the Word.
@@Mel-rj3tj Actually no. You're assuming about who I am, what i believe and insinuating I don't know my scripture or have a good relationship with my Lord and saviour.
Going through trials yes... I'm not talking about trials. I'm talking about long suffering some live with. Long term suffering can cause all the things I mentioned regardless of trying to see the bright side. Some suffer through things others will never experience or relate to. Unfortunately emotional and biochemical conditions are a consequence of living in this fallen world for some. It IS insensitive to say to someone with these realities that its all for the best especially when they're still in need of relief or healing.
Mourn with those who mourn, use discernment and meet people where they are, not where you think they should be. If you can't relate then at least try to empathize with someone who's living it and don't assume they aren't as knowledgeable and sincere about the word as you believe you are. That was really a cringe thing for you to imply.
All the best
Just got news of our second miscarriage. I came here to try and make sense of it... it is hard to receive this message right now but thank you God for speaking through Pastor Piper 🙏
God bless you I’m so sorry for your loss. Let God be your comfort in your time of need❤️
Lord knows your suffering. Don’t forget to keep the faith. Nothing is wasted not in Jesus!
Everything doesn't always make sense
My wife had a miscarriage 3 years ago the day after we saw the doctor who told us the baby was fine. Saw the heartbeat and everything. We were utterly devastated. One year to the day of the miscarriage, my wife found out she was pregnant and we're now about to celebrate his 2nd birthday in January. Remember everything is on His time. God bless you in your time of need.
@@EenChristJesus congratulations to you Rod, but I’m sorry, did you think that would encourage me? It doesn’t help AT ALL. It comes off more like gloating. You could have written that on your own post.
I hate suffering but I know that it brings me closer to Jesus
God help me suffer over my issues of lust, lack of discipline, fight for purity, for self-control, for Spiritual produce in Christ, for obedience in Christ, for abiding in Jesus Christ, for this insightful view of it all as small and temporarily compared to the everlasting joy of Jesus Christ!
30 to 70 years of shipwrecks, persecutions, beatings, cursings, burnings, depression, sadness, loss, death, betrayals - violations - sinister plots - Satanic buffettings; if I suffer all of these and more and receive GLORY of Christ in heaven and my reward, a share of His oil of gladness, then 5 years of heavenly glory with Christ I say will fade these experiences away! I dare say even a day!
God I pray I learn to obey you fully and completely and soundly to your cause that I may see ahead your glory! Let homeless come! Let this courtship end if it is not for either of us! Let me sleep in my car or walk the streets for days or months - as long as my pain transforms me and conforms me to focus on studying your Way, Your Truth and Your Life to show myself approved; I am used to witness the inerrant and infallible wisdom, knowledge and words of my God and Saviour and I mature in Christ through wisdom, understanding, obedience, abiding in your Spirit, I will be joyed!
Please do not let me go GOD! PLEASE DO NOT LET ME GO!
i struggle with the exact same things..peace and victory to you ..our Lord will deliver us
AMEN
But nothing can nor height nor depth can separate us from His love !!
I hear ya buddy
GO HEAD PASTOR YES SIR!!!
I'm praying😊 for all who come here in 2023
Oh I missed the prayer window!
Good morning Brethren, Grace, Peace, and LOVE in CHRIST JESUS, GOD Over All, Blessed Forever, Amen. i am paralyzed and happen to be suffering quite exquisitely this morning. YHWH Blessed this to me; just as my pain peaks and i am talking with HIM, this pops up on my phone, right after Psalm 8, which i had been thinking of singing to HIM. May YHWH Bless you with the same great GRACE upon Grace HE Has Given to me and all the more, in CHRIST JESUS, The HOLY HOLY HOLY [ONE].
Peresever till the end, Magnifying The SOVEREIGN SON, The LORD CHRIST JESUS, to the Glory of GOD The HOLY FATHER, by The ALMIGHTY HOLY SPIRIT.
Amen brother. Thanks for your encouraging post.
Kevin Hardy , indeed Brother. May HE Keep n Bless you, by the Precious Blood, in The HOLY [ONE].
I love you every single day!
Right on time! Just what I needed to hear. Praise the Lord!
God’s Word is true and faithful and gives comfort to those who love Him. Amen 🙏
I suffer addictions help me Jesus Christ.
I have been greatly suffering for months over the death of my daughter. That kind of pain is the worst thing a parent can imagine. It seems so meaningless and pointless for a young.person with so many years ahead to die. I have never prayed or turned to GOD as much as I have since then. This is a lifetime affliction for me. I wish with all.my heart that I had turned to GOD years ago to help my child. I only prayed when she was.in trouble, when she improved I forgot about GOD. I neither read the bible or.prayed consistently. I have asked GOD to forgive me for taking him for granted.I.only truly came to GOD in my brokenness. I dont understand why this way.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I don’t know you, but everything inside me wants to tell you i love you and I hear you. I don’t have all the answers, but I know the sovereign Lord of the universe will protect you from any intimidating, any terrifying reality. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for those who love Him.”
I needed this especially today I’ve been suffering daily for the last 7 years over something I find very difficult to speak about and it’s easy to get discouraged and want to give up on hope but Amen 🙏
Just think of Suffering the Lord God Jesus Christ went through to cleanse us of our sins. Our suffering can't even compare to what He went through for us.
Amen
Gain your strength, analyse your situation and learn as much as you can, for then you will move on. I know, I do, and did. 😊❤
This showed up in my recommendation at the best time, God knows.
Thank you JESUS glory be to GOD.
This is beautiful! ❤️
Suffering made us to earnestly Pray from the heart to the LORD GODFATHER in CHRIST.and it made us to be meek and lowly in Christ having the Longing to Heavenly Places and be with GOD in Christ, the CREATOR.
Amen
I have listened to this segment of Pastor John’s sermon about 50 times over the years. It has been so enlightening and meaningful to me. Thank you.
I've been making bad choices lately and the evil one has been beating me up attacking my mind taunting me in dreams it's really draining but Jesus Christ is 👑 and I love Jesus ❤
Thank you. I really needed to hear this today. Praise you Lord 🙌🙌 for being so good to me and for using your faithful servant, John Piper, to give me the words that I needed right now to not lose heart. 💞
What about 24 years of debilitating anxiety!! Im tyred! Exhausted, I want to dye, yes I recognize that i m a sinner, but I can’t imagine stay that way the rest of my life! Please I need divine help. Im loosing faith!! 🙏
I'm suffering with anxiety also, and I have suicidal thoughts; but for some reason I can't do it! I tried once ( October last year) but I believe that although I'm suffering God STOPS me from trying again, because something or someone seems to turn up to stop me. I'm not saying it's easy, because it isn't; but even though I ask God to let me die, I know He LOVES me too much to let go of me. I'm suffering because of a NARC, but I believe that WHEN I fight this WAR that I'm in, I'm going to be so strong that even the devil will back off and run in the opposite direction. The harder the devil fights the more strength GOD gives. Remember....." When I am weak, I am strong"
I am too and it will get better take life day by day the future is in Gods hands you just have to worry about today and I promise life will get better !
Praying for you🙏🏾
Prayers are answered, listen here, You're not a sinner anymore if you believe in Jesus "Romans 6:6. Our Old Man (Or our sin nature) has been crucified, that the body of flesh may pass away that we may not be slaves of sin anymore"
Another verse in the same chapter (around 2 or 3) says that since we have been united with him in death so therefore we may be united with him in life when he was raised that we may walk in newness of life."
You are able to walk in newness of life, but your previous mindset of when you were a slave to sin prevents you, just walk in newness of life because it's not that hard. For you to do that just get into the word of God "Meditating on it day and night."
"For you shall not let this book of the law leave your mouth but you shall meditate on it day and night"
I post blogs by accident, but read all of it
Nothing is worth the suffering I have endured. I wish to not exist.
I'm so sorry you feel like this and have suffered so much. I'm hurting so much also right now. I just want to send you a hug and say all will be well, you are seen and so loved.
Life is a gift❤
I have had my own share of suffering the past two years. Very tempted to think and say something like that. Why not? Because Jesus died for my suffering and one day will end and I’ll be well.
Look at the unseen - best quote ever by JP
Mourning the loss of my friend. I’m numb by so many emotions
I'm sorry man 💔 how are you doing?
Yes!!!
Amen
I been suffering for so long I'm tired already 😪
Decame with me I'm with you sometimes I'm confused already.
Beautiful truths!
777
Amen to this one! I Suffered and Jesus Saved me from Paul and his titled church men! !
Is it actually working? It’s hard to tell.
I am just taking it day by day.
Today is not so bad. 😵💫😔
Thank you for this message. To God be the glory 🙏😇
Jesus is HaMashiach
One obvious point, when you suffer you know hurt and pain and that teaches you compassion. Now that can’t possibly explain all suffering but at least 90% of it is positive in that you know the pain of others. 10% just doesn’t make any sense. But it does not mean it is not the will of the perfect God
Feels hopeless when it goes on for years
Yes, I have been there ...
Mine was the excruciating pain of VERY SEVERE Depression of the worst kind...my mind was so fragile that I felt like hanging on a string for dear life!!
I understand why Christian pastors and others take their lives. The worst kind of mental torture and extreme pain that YOU CANNOT BEAR IT.
I love listening to John Piper and I've learned more from him in one yr than from a dozen pastors in 14 yrs. I want to seek another church, but I wanted to confirm.. Is he Baptist?
Celi L reformed. I think.
Yes Pastor Piper is Baptist
Yes, reformed theology though, so that goes beyond just the baptist denomination. Many non-denominational churches ("community" churches, "bible" churches, etc) are also reformed theology. I'm in a reformed theology church that is a "Community Church" (non-denominational). But I'll tell you right now that John Piper is one in a million- if you go in expecting your leaders to match that, you will be disappointed. I've been in over 20 different churches over the course of my life due to jobs and moves and such... and I can tell that you will not find another Piper. BUT you will find others who will guide and encourage you on a personal level in the same way- just with less fancy and inspiring words and more personalized, genuine interactions and relationships. So don't go looking for a Piper (but keep watching his sermons on TH-cam!! ;). Just go looking for those of similar mind and heart and maybe watch some Piper with them too. lol May God bless you and fill you with joy in your new church!!! Sending prayers and love your way!!
So God takes pleasure seeing people suffering, I’ve confirmed that
yeah...same
Renew your mind day by day.
Eternal is far far away from what's they're experiencing...
I'm curious as to why I should trust a God who hides himself and ignores every request I make of him while he gives his most opulent blessings to the most wicked and unrighteous people who never have to ask or wait for them and will certainty never thank God for them. The only purpose my suffering creates is more anger and resentment towards God. "Hey God - How about trying a carrot once for a change?"
true.
at best he just doesn't care, at worst he's the one causing the suffering.
i prayed every day, read my bible, and worshiped him, all i ever asked for was happiness despite what's going on inside of my heart, but nothing, same pain, same sorrow, god can't be trusted for anything
It sure is. I repent Yah creating humanity just like he did......
All trails,seperation,tribulations and mocking will always separate a believer from god and believers have no choice but live as the unbelievers live in this worl
This is so absolutely false that I am wondering if I misunderstood it... many great Christians have said that if they had not suffered, they would never have truly known God, and I have to concur...
@@sarahgriffiths8267 I have suffered all a lot in my life, and all this suffering has taken a devastating toll on my physical and mental health. I`m not a person I used to be. Now, I`m more bitter, angry and frustrated than I ever was. It doesn`t always go like you said.
sounds like cowardice to me. and unfaithfulness to jesus. COUNT THE COST.
@@sapereaudeart3664cowardice, huh? Didn't know that suffering intensely for 20 years and having anger and contempt for it not getting any better, was the definition of cowardice. You watch your entire life fall apart and you fall on your knees and plead for God with no answer, and then you tell me what the fuck a coward is. You give up what's precious to you to help others, only to find more tribulation. Go ahead and try it. Take Job's test and then speak. Watch everything fall apart and then try to smile.
Religion loves to push the suffering card. WHILE those religious “ teachers” live in opulent lifestyles. Heinous.
I have a question. I was talking to a none believer, and the reason she doesn't believe in Jesus Christ is because of the path he puts us to. She looks a homeless man and says why did God put him in this path? Why did God put a Child through rape and abuse? Why does my child have Autism and have to suffer through out his life? If God was real and good why put us through so much suffering?
When he mentioned golf.....that hit me. Yikes
My name is hepsi recently lost my beloved husband who is pastor at the age of 46 and I am childless left alone really facing hell on earth eagerly waiting for heavenly call I desperately need eternal rest
I've lost my dad, grandmother and my beloved wife in the past 3 months. I miss my dad and grandmother but their deaths were more in the natural order of a fallen earth (dad was 77, grandma 94). But my wife was only 55 (I'm 47), she was my best friend and it hurts so bad and my heart is shattered. I keep hoping the Lord will take me home also. The pain is unbearable. I wish I could be more encouraging to you but I just wanted you to know that you're not alone. And God is with us, although He may feel distant now. I'll be praying for you each night.
@@jasonbrown3598 thank you so much for your encouring word, sorry for your lose, I really appreciate you, even in your hard times you are encouring some like me God bless you brother. 🙏
@@jasonbrown3598 Yall know the Apostle Paul was pressed beyond measure in Thessalonians too. He said that he had the sentence of death in himself, that he may have life with Christ. He said that this life was temporary but the next was eternal. He said that God is a comforter to everyone in any trouble. And I can tell you from experience that death takes people you had hoped it wouldn't, at least not yet. But they are a gift, all of them. Set down sorrow, lest it destroy your ministry, your chance to lay up treasures in heaven. You need enough to feed and house yourself and those who have gone on before you when they visit you in your mansion. Jesus said let the dead bury the dead and follow me.
I'm sorry for your loss! I know that you posted this a year ago but I pray that all is well with you
What time is it what God suffering can push the father away from him. It’s because of the way he is doing it or allowing it to happen.
How does God fill when you get angry with him because of the suffering.
Dying to the flesh is hard if your prideful but important.
alot of people end up in hell due to there reaction to there suffering is ungodly. so why would God allow the suffering if he knew it would cause them bitterness and denial of christ or cause sinful actions out of desperation of suffering?
psmith I THINK its because God gives us a choice. maybe He doesn't want to alter our decision using His power but instead leave it to our deep desire to stick to God during times of suffering. no doubt, God gives us trials and tribulations because He loves us. this also tests our faith and our true desires. He'll see if we find rest in Him in the midst of pain or if we'll run to the world and our own power (which is not much..)
U kinda contradidcted yourself in your statement
With due respect, how do you know that a lot of people end up in hell due to their reaction? Have you asked them to find out how they got there? Seems that God’s grace is a little bit bigger than any damage that people can do by having an ungodly reaction to suffering. Again, with due respect, you should be careful when making absolute statements like that, as if you are God. People can screw up and then repent. People do it every day.
@@regul8or71 How do you know, they didn't ? He asked a legitimate question. Why does God allow too much suffering in our lives? That too much pain changes a person to the core. Not only he may never be able to become more humble and Christ-like, the chances that he'll go mad or commit suicide are quite high. If he loves us so much, why doesn't he interfere and help us to carry our crosses? Where is his " fatherly love " ?
Defiant Seagull It seems you misunderstood me. But I think Jane Jeoung addresses it above pretty well.
I will add that God ALWAYS gives us a way out (1 cor 10:13)(even though the way out might be uncomfortable/painful/challenging etc), and He has given us the power to face any challenge/struggle (2 Timothy 1:7). Im gonna leave it at that, cuz this convo could carry on forever. Respectfully.
Life is so hardd😪
Yes it is.
+444lonnie..thank you for your comment. It is amazing to me! How many people prefer believing a Pharisee..in preference to Jesus!
I will be sure to convey that to all victims, all pain being equal since we all go through it. Kid in a car wreck, its working for you!
Wife raped in your yard? Rejoice! Your just looking at it wrong! Transient is right, get attached to nothing. Don't lose heart, you've got chores to do for the kingdom....
What preaching is this from?
Sir
I have never suffered because of my faith but I have had strangers and coworkwrs mistreat me and speak harshly to me. This always felt random. It left me wondering if I was acting in acc I rdance with God's purpose for my life. All I want is to know that these petty grievances that seem so random are in fact purposeful. Please advise
I know the feeling - both of you. I'm always struggled with being smaller, weaker, bullied, rejected, unpopular. I just wanted to share some scriptures that have helped me through the years.
"Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-and the things that are not-to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."
1 Corinthians 1:26-29
"Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Matthew 5:11-12
"He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
Isaiah 53:2-6
@@the.seagull.35 amen. Su h a wonderful set of Scriptures.
The devil sometimes sends people to start accusations against you and evil communications so that he can get you focused on other things and feeling down. Don't let him distract you from the joy of your salvation and the opportunity to do good to those who hate you and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you. For in so doing you shall heap coals of fire upon their heads. Love them anyways dear one and may Gkd give the strength and power.
The Only reason “things that are unseen are eternal” is because the unseen can’t be demonstrated to be factual. There is no way to determine if it is factually “real”. Thus the unseen is easy to hypothesize and the doubt associated with that construct a never ending stream of belief as no one can demonstrate it’s “not” true. Unfortunately, those making “positive” claims (such as a belief in the supernatural) HAVE the burden to present at least some evidence for their belief. Otherwise there’s no legitimate reason to “trust” an idea.
He has no idea.
The APJ app plays nothing when i click on a podcast... anyone else have this problem?
My lovely wife went home to be with The Lord Jesus Christ in June 2022. I was missing her so much until I asked our Lord to let us meet again. I prayed for this to happen on several occasions. Then one night as I slept in my bed I was awakened and realized that I couldn't move my body. I was not fully awake yet, but I was being held down. I tried to move my right arm but it wouldn't budge. I believe I was being held down by an unnatural force. I wasn't able to speak; even though I tried. So I began to ask Jesus to help me through my thoughts. I begin to try and move my right arm with all my strength. Suddenly my arm broke free, I shouted HALLELUJAH and my whole body became free. I arose from the bed and saw myself walking as in a vision. As I walked out of this dark bedroom I came into a hallway. As I continued down the hallway I noticed some clothes had been discarded as though someone had taken them off and left them on the floor. I continued down the hallway and came to another bedroom on my right. As I entered the bedroom door I saw my wife sitting on a white bed. She was dressed in a beautiful white robe. She did not notice me as I entered the room because she was looking away into a bright heavenly light. As I sat beside her on the bed, she turned to me and we embraced one another and reclined on the bed. After holding her in my arms for a few moments, I awakened from the dream. But I know that it wasn't a dream; it was God's answer to my prayers. I began to praise the Lord Jesus and thank Him for answering my prayers. For allowing me to see my sweet angel again. It is written that we have not because we ask not. Why don't you ask Jesus to answer your prayers? He can do more than we can ask or hope for. Peace and blessings
making sense of my husband leaving me for selfish reasons, 2 years down in our marriage with no kids. so hard to tell what to plan or expect in life. i'm turning 30 and really don't know how to start again,
Six months later - I hope you've come into a better place.
Isn't the pain on Corinthian talks about the pain you get when you evangelize? Just ask to know precisely
basically I thought God had the ability to create a plan that would alter any plans for suffering to get his will done
What is suffering doing for us? Really.
@Steel Rain Then why are we even here? Just to suffer! Still doesn't make sense. And oh I know, to keep us away from the bad things in life. How's that even supposed to work with what you call free will?
Slowly, antagonizely, killing us.
True.
What if i have schizophrenia
Except its NOT, light, or momentary. It's been 62 years, and I'm 62. What I know, in the only plane I've ever existed, is, it's s NOT, light, or momentary. And I did not get the benefit of a literal visit from Jesus. I care not about money, or woman, or fame, or substances, or entertainment, or fine food, I ONLY, want to go about the Lords work. But I am being destroyed, and have been since birth. No one, in the bible, has much on me, in the way of suffering. You would not believe my story. I don't. But it's true. Sadly.
1. From an eternal perspective, 62 or 162 years is momentary.
2. From Hell's perspective, our earthly suffering is light.
When you know and believe that: 1. Eternity, & 2. Hell are both real, you are able to see from Heaven's perspective.
Suicide in mind every day
Please don't it is the enemy which we all know come to steal, kill,.and destroy. The devil is a liar. God loves you and so do I. Your life is worth living. Speak life. God bless you.
Sin is an act of offence against God n injuring others will be forgiven if u repent n believe Jesus died 4 ur sins n arose frm the tomb on the 3rd day. C ' repentance' in Google!!,"...
Tongues? 1:28
The audience laughing in the background is cringing .If John piper's preaching is truly received and understood by them, it wouldnt sound funny ,rather its a wake up call and it should sound terrifying for we ourselves do those same sinful acts on earth without even realizing it. So much to learn from His Deep Faith
They were clapping
Don't talk to me about pain I live with excruciating pain daily. Fibromyalgia neuropathy severe arthritis in my hands 6 back fractures. That will never heal. I would appreciate prayers to keep me going.
Don’t say never… Jesus is a healer. I pray for your hand to be healed in his name. Amen.
Yes, Jesus is the Great Physician. We want the healing so badly BUT God may not heal you ...
Because It is HIS WILL to be done in your life and not your will...
he doesn´t know what to say... becouse he cannot manage it.
Suffering is suffering. Its not preparing me for anything or working Good in me. Nothing about it is good. Its just darkness. Abandonment. There will be no help.
Its true.
Suffering does not help you please
I still dont get why the suffering gets us into heaven. I thought our salvation does.
The only thing that “gets us” into heaven is putting our faith into Jesus. “Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”. Also, check out Philippians 1:29. Our primary goal life is to become like Jesus (romans 8:29). God has an uncanny way of using our suffering for this purpose (Romans 8:28)
When Paul talked about enduring to the end and not giving up the good fight, he meant that as we grow old and have to deal with bodies that hurt and are diseased, that we don’t blame God and shake our fist at Him in anger, but realize that it’s all part of this fallen world. We know that this suffering is “light and momentary “ compared to eternity. We haven’t had to feel the torture of the cross as Jesus did, and He accomplished it without complaining, so should we endure our suffering, smile thru it knowing eternity is just around the corner.
That’s from 2 Corinthians 4:17...
@@larrysauriol759 I hate when Christians say that !!! There are deaths that are far more gruesome...BTW Jesus wasn't the only one to be crucified. Two thieves were as well...In that time period crucifixion was a regular punishment
@@larrysauriol759
Yes. Remember, it easier said than done.
But it can be done with God's help
A LOT OF PEOPLE HATE GOD BECAUSE OF FALSE TEACHERS AND INTERPRETATIONS OF THE SO CALLED GOOD BOOK. THE TRUTH OF JESUS AND THE WORLD AKA MATRIX IS WITHIN US I.E DISCERNMENT HENCE WHY ITS HOLLYWOOD'S JOB TO GASLIGHT YOUR INTELLIGENCE IF YOU HAVE ANY.
pie in the sky right???
What is the reason for animal suffering? They have no sin to atone for. It cannot be justified. I’ve yet to have one Christian answer this with other than “ why are you fixated on animal suffering?”, making a mockery of the word ‘ human’.
bible says it CLEARLY even the animal kingdom ALSO SUFFERS
1 day all animals will become vegetarians as in the beginning days !!!!
death shall be NO MORE [this is the fallen world full of sin]
I agree with you. As much as I love God, the suffering of animals just seems to make no sense to me.
I agree. It breaks my heart & I think they shouldn’t be allowed to suffer because they haven’t ever sinned. However, what I have been told (& I still struggle with this) is that it’s because Man has free will. God gave free will & will not remove that. Therefore people are able to do bad things…. and people do, because they have sinful natures & if unsaved, are influenced by demons. I often think that (even though humans are supposed to be the pinnacle of God’s creation) we are also the worst of it. No other being does evil things for the sake of it, but humans do it because they can, and some even get twisted pleasure from it. It’s an unfair world. I HATE the suffering of animals, ESPECIALLY when it’s at the hands of human beings!! The answer, however, will not come until heaven. So sorry not to be able to give a better answer, but (as much as I hate it) this does make sense…. It’s because of free will. ☹️😞💔💔💔
BE A CHILD OF GOD!!!!!
FATHER JESUS CHRIST SAITH
ALL SOULS REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE
OF YOU IN THE NAME OF
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST!
ACTS 2 38 OF THE APOSTLES!
NO SINNER'S PRAYER COMPLETES SALVATION - Z E R O!!!!!
GENESIS 1:28 JOHN 8:24
2ND CORINTHIANS 5:19 AND MORE!!!!
FATHER JESUS CHRIST ALONE IS GOD ALL BY HIMSELF THEREFORE ASK HIM ALONE PRAYERFULLY!!!!!
There is NOTHING light about our affliction.
There is NOTHING momentary about our affliction.
I totally agree. I’ll never know why or understand why God took my son from me. I do know that I will suffer til the day I die.
It doesnt really make me love God too much at this point. I did before but now I am just bitter.
I've been afflicted two years, which is nothing compared to a whopping 14 years of suffering like the woman with an issue of blood in scripture. Yet these things don't move me because I'm not a mountain unto myself. I suffer just like everybody else. Yet I have a promise from God that tells me that if I suffer quietly and contented, trusting that he will deliver me and love me and help me irregardless, I will have treasure in heaven for something I can't control. Don't let bitterness rob you of faith and love and every good thing, just to lose your soul to be angry at God for thirty years and die a pointless death. You're gonna wish you had done something better with your life and probably already do.
@@lokilover5897 You were always going to lose your son because either he would have lost you or you would have lost him. This life isn't fair or kind to anyone and either way, someone would have been in pain. But if we start speaking of fair, isn't it fair that all men die, of every age? Does my suffering somehow equal payment in the eyes of God, to I shouldn't or people I love shouldn't die? We all have to face death for the wrongs we have done, but that doesn't have go be the end of the story. God can give you another son, and God can give you more life, and God can give you peace, but God has also given you a choice. Glorify me or perish. He gave you a commandment to forsaken all and follow him or perish forever in hell. Has that changed just because your son died? He has not rescinded his offer just because you have rescinded your love. Of we believe not, yet he abideth faithful, for he cannot deny himself. Amen and God bless
@@xavierthomas5835 This person lost their son, and you're going to tell them God can just give them another one? That they were going to lose their son anyway so who cares?
I know you're a child of God Xavier, but you showed a complete lack of empathy towards this person here. I'm telling you this in love. You cannot just preach at people who have been through tragedy, and treat their troubles as if they're meaningless. I'm saying this as a brother in Jesus Christ.
@@xavierthomas5835 Remember what Jesus did at the tomb of Lazarus, when he saw all the Jews and his friends and family weeping. He was overcome with grief.
Jesus is not hard hearted to the pain and loss of this world. He knows it intimately. Therefore he is kind and gentle to those who are hurting. Even if they sometimes resist his touch in their pain... God is patient with them.
Eternity is scarier than death.
Pffff yeah the only thing that might even be more dangerous than the deep parts of the ocean
@@thenameofthegame4037 Some people think that eternity is the best thing ever but it actually is not. Moreover, it`s even scarier and absurd when you realize that even if you get there, you may spend eternity with complete strangers.
Bullshit. It is pointless. No one saids thanks for the pain. The end result never equal what you go through.
Shall the thing that is formed say to the creator say, why have you made me thus? Ask him things concerning his sons and his daughters, the works of his hands ask ye him. For he has given us a sun of righteousness for healing and endless love for his glory. Amen
Think about when Jesus suffered. It made no sense from a worldly perspective. He was totally innocent, a supposed king and Messiah. But he was abandoned by all his followers. He was run through a kangaroo court and sentenced to death for no reason. Then he was crucified... he spent six long hours being tortured beyond what I can imagine.
But think of his reward after dying in such a terrible way. Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to sit on the throne of heaven. He is literally in command of the entire universe. All people will one day bow to Jesus and acknowledge that his name is great.
His sacrifice also made it possible for billions of people to be saved. Including you and me. Without his suffering, we would have no hope. But since he suffered, we have a hope that lasts forever.
So actually, you're right. The end result of his suffering did not equal what he went through. It was so much greater... so far beyond "worth it" that you can't even compare the two.
That's how it will be for us who love God. The end result of our suffering will be glory, honor, reward, and eternal life with Jesus, that will far outweigh the momentary troubles of this world.
We say not thanks for the pain or suffering on it’s own, but we can be become grateful and joyful for it when we see to fruits of it in sanctification and the eternal outcomes:
‘Indeed it was for my own peace that I had great bitterness; but You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back.’
Isaiah 38:17
Why do americans laugh about serious issues? Piper wasn't making a joke about Paul's suffering.
I thought Jesus bore our suffering? So, we have to suffer to be in heaven?
Hey Carl. No the point of this message is about refinement not salvation. We are rescued from condemnation thru believing I’m Christ and His death. But we are refined and glorified and rewarded as a result of persevering thru suffering. That’s just what I see in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Barbara Freeman No good comes out of suffering? With due respect, that nullifies and contradicts romans 8:28 as well as James 1:2-4, among others. I think your doctrine is a bit off.
@Barbara Freeman I can testify that tremendous good comes from suffering if you let it do its work and don't resist it so much. I am not the woman I once was because suffering changed me, horrific suffering. But I tried submitting myself to God in, just offering it up to him like an injured child holding up a wound to it's mother with tears and sobs, wanting her to fix it. HE eventually healed the hurt, but he left it there long enough that I learned to deal differently with pain, with suffering, with my understanding of what life is about, with my understanding of what faith is about and what our faith is about. I feel like I was an ignorant (and arrogant) child before I went through the years of fiery trial, so to speak. There were times I was so broken I truly thought it would kill me. But oh, the changes that have come from it.... the spiritual transformation is something I cannot describe. IT has to be eperienced but you start to realize slowly, over time, that you are a completely different person. It's actually scary at first, because you wonder who this person is and what they are going to do! But it's truly profound. And you come out pretty fearless, with a gritty, hanging-on-for-dear-life kind of faith that is ever more difficult to shake. Embrace the suffering when it comes; let it do it's work! If someone had told me that when I was young, it might not have taken so much suffering to make these changes in me! You don't have to feel happy about it or be glad that it's happening, but don't fight the pain either or try to distract from it. Instead, let yourself sit with, feel it, understand it, etc. Let God do the work in suffering; you really don't have to. All you have to do is keep the faith, even if all you can do is lay in bed and cry- if you keep the faith, you can trust that he is doing his work, even in that place at that moment.
@@regul8or71 Millions of people worldwide are committing suicide every year because of unbearable pain and suffering. This is how it affects us.
Eagle Eye Except that there is always a choice. It’s an inconvenient truth. I can provide various Scripture that show this if you’d like. In fact, the entire book of Job supports this.
Of course it`s not meaningless. From my pain and suffering I have learned that God is a tyrant and punishing entity. I`ll never, ever call God a "caring and loving father". That`s what I learned.
No you havent learned..God isnt some tyrant who punishes..repent and turn from this. You dont simply speak from hurt..but from a carnal careless faithless sinful heart. Jesus Christ is the answer in all pain and suffering
@@trevthegreat7176 Everyone speaks from his own experience, so I`m not an exception. From my personal experience, I can tell you that my whole life has been a series of devastating events. You know, I`ve been living in hell since I was born. I really wish I had never been born. What`s the purpose of my existence? Tell me. If I had known from the beginning that my life would be such a disaster, I would have opted for not being in this world. Life is beautiful, right? Yeah, it may be, but not for me.
Eagle Eye Hope for what we cannot see dear friend 🙏🏻
@@eagleeye182 I empathize with your mindset. I used to curse God every single day, multiple times daily for giving me life. For reason of my misery I hated God with a burning hatred for throwing me into this existence as an unwilling participant. Sometimes to this day I am still tempted to distrust God unto curses and blasphemies. One thing I've learned is that giving into depression leads me downhill very fast. First I complain about life's difficulties (with grumblings, not groanings), then I wish I had never been born, then I curse the day I was born, then I direct my hatred of life & suffering toward the God who seems to be the source behind it all as the creator of my being. From there I walk in the most vile bitterness that I strongly suspect is demonic, angry that God allows me to exist feeling so tormented & distressed. All the while I long for death with all my being. This is the will of the adversary, who wants you to hate God. He was a liar from the beginning. Understand that his attacks are often sustained & gradual, so resist him early on and he will flee from you, before he bankrupts you morally/spiritually into despising God. God wants you to turn to Him and trust Him with your suffering so that it can be used for your eternal good. There is greater peace in trusting God with your problems. As scripture states, Happy is the man who trusts in the Lord. I don't expect this to change your mind. We all have to make the decision in our hearts whether we will humble ourselves and turn to God. Only then will He heal us, as promised in scripture. If you call out in repentance and ask Him to help you/change you he will do it, speaking from experience.
@@crucifiedwithchrist9367 What is "eternal good"?
No one could write more esoteric nonsense.