To What Extent Should We Try to Alleviate Personal Suffering?

If the Bible says that as a Christian, we will experience suffering, to what extent should we try to alleviate suffering? Should we simply accept that suffering is a part of life and live with it? Or should we be proactive and take steps to “solve” that suffering?

I always tend to run from suffering, to do everything in my power to change it. I can now look back and see how much I’ve learned during those times, and I wouldn’t change what I experienced, but during those times, I seem to fight & fret & doubt & struggle. I’m not sure that’s God’s intention. Maybe it’s His intention that I snuggle up against Him and allow Him to hold me & sustain me during those times.

Just thinking out loud…

Something’s Coming

God is cooking something up………..it’s best stated in Scripture and song lyrics 🙂

There’s something’ due any day;
I will know right away
Soon as it shows.

“It’s only just out of reach,
Down the block, on a beach,
Under a tree.
I got a feelin’ there’s a miracle due,
Gonna come true,
Comin’ to me!

“Something’s coming, something’ good,
If I can wait!
Something’s comin’, I don’t know what it is
But it is gonna be great!”Stephen Sondheim

“Back to the start, my heart is heavy
Feels like it’s time to dream again
I hear your voice, and yes I’m ready
To dance upon this barren land
Hope in my hands
Delirious?

“Now something inside is awakening,
Like a dream I once had and forgot.
And it’s something I’m scared of
And something I don’t want to stop.”
Sara Groves

“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13