Suffering Believers?

As the apostle Paul reflected on his journey as a believer, he could say “I've been pressed down beaten and imprisoned but he was OK about it.

Though many of his sufferings were unique, he still remains an example of the mindset and attitude that every disciple of Christ should adopt. ( Phil 2.5-10)

It was Paul’s suffering and weakness which helped make him useful to God and this is true for us too. Every disciple is to take up the cross and die daily. We will have tribulation in this world, and until the age to come, our mortal bodies and human society will be subject to disease and disaster. Although physical health is God’s will, it is not completely perfect in any mortal person. Miraculous interventions by the Holy Spirit, are possible and will be according to His divine will and wisdom.

Generally through the world for affliction doesn't mean sickness in the new testament.

Our sufferings and afflictions in the world yield the benefits of character development and the ability to comfort others in the church with divine comfort (1.4). Our weakness also develop the need for total trust and dependency upon God (1.9) and being able to spread the scent of Gods triumph to many (2.14). Sufferings releases life to others (4.12), works an eternal weight of glory (4.17) and provides opportunities to share fellowship with Jesus in his sufferings (Phil 3.10).

Friend, believe it - sufferings while not fun and are not something we ask for; they will be part of our life in this broken would and our Father can make them work for His glory and our good!