Why do christians go through suffering?
Why does the Apostle Paul write that, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,”
By recognizing that suffering is a gift of God, and is a sign of carrying the cross of Jesus, and is a gateway in helping others.
Paul is under house arrest, probably in Rome during the reign of Nero, awaiting trial before the Roman Emperor. As he writes, he recognizes that death may be the end point of his imprisonment because the emperor Nero was known to be hostile to Christians.
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.“
One of the most mis-interpreted scriptures of all time.
The Greek word for “can do” means to “be strong, powerful, able, prevail over, suffer through.”
Despite its common translation, this verb is used 27 other times in the New Testament and is never translated “can do” elsewhere.
Paul is not saying that he can do all things through Christ, but rather that he can prevail or have the victory over any circumstance by relying on Christ and his strength.
We must realize that any suffering we go through as believers in Jesus Christ is for a reason. We are not alone in our suffering. Christ himself became human and suffered to the point of the death on a cross. And by his grace, we also can prevail over all suffering through Jesus Christ who gives us strength.