Suffering gives an occasion to silence the enemies of God; God desires that we silence enemies of God. ‘For God wants you to silence the ignorant talk of foolish people by the good tings you do.’ 1 Peter 2:15. The foolish people are people who ridicule the teachings of Christ, who say that Christians are only Christians for what good they can get out of it. Though it is many Christian’s beliefs, that by patiently enduring, or doing good in times of suffering the value of being Christians really shines through. In the faith they have that sustains them in suffering and in the love they show towards those who suffer.
People also believe that suffering also makes us appreciative, everyone receives so many good things in this life that it is easy for us to become prone to take them for granted, instead of receiving them with gratitude towards God. Also suffering can help people appreciate good health, good friends and a loving family. A good example of how suffering can make one appreciative, is the apostle Paul when he was in prison, ‘For you have all shared with me in the privilege that God has given me, both now that I am in prison and also while I was free to defend the gospel and establish it firmly’. Philippians 1:7.
Suffering makes us sympathetic, Paul wrote of this value of affliction to the Church at Corinth. In his second epistle, ‘He [God] helps us in all our troubles so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God.’ 2 Corinthians 1:4. Christians say that you may think that you can sympathize with someone, but until you have been there personally, there is no true understanding of the hurt. Experiencing suffering makes us more likely to ‘weep with those who weep’ Romans 12:15.
The poem ‘Footprints’ may help people who are going through suffering because it can be applied to all situations. Whatever the reason for someone’s suffering they always feel alone, as if God has left them. This poem however gives a completely different explanation for the ‘missing prints in the sand’. That is that you are being carried through your suffering, and that you are actually closer to God during those times.
Christians also teach that at times of suffering the best thing to do is to prayer. This is why we can say that suffering indeed brings us closer to God. ‘Is anyone among you in trouble? He should pray.’ James 5:13. We are also told about the power of prayer and how it can help anyone in any situation.