Sunday: The Fall of Adam: Genesis 3:16-19
Believers experience suffering as an ongoing consequence of the fall of Adam and Eve. When sin entered the world, pain, sorrow, conflict and eventual death invaded the lives of all human beings. In fact, the whole created universe groans under sin’s effects and yearns for the time of a new heaven and a new earth. (Romans 8:20-23; 2 Peter 3:10-13)
Monday: Consequences of Our Actions: Galatians 6:7
Some believers suffer for the same reason that unbelievers do, as a consequence of their own actions. If we are undisciplined in our life’s habits, we are likely to have serious problems. If we drive our cars recklessly, we may get into serious accidents. (Hebrews 12:3-11)
Tuesday: Consequences of Sinful World: 2 Peter 2:8
Believers suffer, at least in their inner selves, because they live in a sinful and corrupt world. All around us are the effects of sin; we experience distress and anguish as we see the power that evil holds over so many lives. We must pray to God that He will demonstrate His victory over sin’s power. (Acts 17:16; Ezekiel 9:4)
Wednesday: Consequences of the Devil: 2 Corinthians 4:4
Believers suffer at the hands of the devil. Satan, as the god of this age, controls this present evil age. Satan and his followers delight to persecute believers. Those who love the Lord and follow His principles will be persecuted for their faith. (Galatians 1:4; Hebrews 2:14; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Ephesians 6:12)
Thursday: Consequences of Being in Christ: 2 Corinthians 11:23-32
To be a Christian means to be in Christ, to be one with him; as a result we share in His sufferings. In fact, sharing in Christ’s sufferings is a prerequisite for being glorified with Christ. (Romans 12:15; 8:17; 2 Corinthians 1:5)
Friday: Catalyst for Spiritual Growth: Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6
God may use suffering in our lives as a catalyst to spiritual growth or change. He often uses suffering to call his straying people to repent of their sins and renew their faith and trust in Him. (James 1:2-3; Deuteronomy 8:3; 1 Peter 1:7)
Saturday: To Further His Kingdom: Genesis 45:7
God can and does use the suffering of the righteous to further the cause of His kingdom and His plan of redemption. The prime example of this suffering is Jesus who experienced persecution, agony and death so that God’s plan of salvation might be fully realized. (Acts 2:23)