In this first part of three-part Bible study series, brother Eli Soriano provides profound wisdom on the nature of suffering and its place in God’s plan for His children. This reflection attempts to examine the main teachings that he has given and their significance for our spiritual lives.
The special glory that comes with sufferings from God forms the basis of brother Eli's opening remarks. This proclamation invites us to reevaluate how we look at difficulties and how they may assist us in our journey towards spirituality.
There is a fundamental truth behind this teaching: God does not give out anything bad in itself. As Brother Eli emphasizes, everything that comes from God is good and serves a positive purpose. Such challenges can be seen as blessings since they are allowed by God into our lives for reasons best known to Him even if we do not see them immediately.
Moreover, Brother Eli points out that not all hardships originate from God. Some trials in life are human made – consequences of greed or enmity with God; self-centeredness or lack of love for other people. It is essential to make such distinctions when dealing with why we suffer and how we should deal with it.
To illustrate this point, Brother Eli refers to Romans 8:18 by saying Paul wrote:
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
This verse suggests that our sufferings or hardships especially those allowed by God are nothing in comparison to what awaits us. It admonishes us to have a broader eternal perspective when we face challenges in life.
To expound on this concept future Brother Eli also cites Romans 5:3-5 (King James Version) as follows:
Tribulation worketh patience, Patience experience, Experience hope
Hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us
This flow demonstrates why God would allow such difficult situations to happen. According to Brother Eli, patience is a “very, very nice virtue in life.” It is essential for achieving our goals, completing our studies and persevering at work. Nevertheless, patience is an acquired virtue earned over trials and tribulations as pointed out by Brother Eli.
Experience, and the fruits of patience builds wisdom and resilience in us. It prepares us for future challenges and gives us the ability to help others who pass through similar situation.
Hope, the culmination of this progression is not mere optimism but a hopeful trust on God’s promises. It is a hope that “does not disappoint” because it finds its foundation in God’s love which has filled our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
In view of these teachings, we are invited to re-evaluate our sufferings afresh. Instead of considering hardships as only stumbling blocks or chastisements, they might be seen as opportunities to grow spiritually as well as prepare for coming glory.
Nevertheless, this realization does not mean we should undermine the seriousness of our pain or even urge people to seek suffering. Instead it brings comfort and meaning into our trials. It reminds uy that if we go through such difficulties from God then He is developing within our souls some vital attributes and preparing us for eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison with trivial troubles at present.
As we reflect on this teachings let us see how we can apply this knowledge to our everyday life. Having such an attitude will help us find strength and purpose even in the most difficult of times. We can rely on God that when we suffer, it is from Him and a way of making us better persons, preparing us for a glory that is beyond human comprehension.
Moreover, like Apostle Paul may we learn to triumph in tribulations as God uses them to produce patience, experience and hope that never fades away. Therefore, this knowledge should comfort and strengthen us as we tread through this current life full of problems looking at only the eternal glory awaiting us.
