Resignation in the face of bodily suffering is a theme that resonates deeply within the biblical narrative, reflecting a profound trust in God's sovereignty and purpose. The Bible presents numerous examples and teachings that encourage believers to endure physical afflictions with patience and faith.

Job's Endurance

The Book of Job is perhaps the most illustrative account of resignation amidst bodily suffering. Job, a man described as "blameless and upright" (Job 1:1), experiences intense physical afflictions after Satan challenges his integrity. Despite his suffering, Job maintains his faith, declaring, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). Job's account exemplifies a steadfast trust in God's wisdom, even when His ways are inscrutable.

Paul's Thorn in the Flesh

The Apostle Paul provides another poignant example of resignation to bodily suffering. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh," a persistent affliction that he pleads with the Lord to remove. However, God's response is, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul embraces his weakness, understanding that his suffering serves a greater purpose in manifesting God's strength.

Christ's Suffering

The ultimate model of resignation in suffering is found in Jesus Christ. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing imminent crucifixion, Jesus prays, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). Christ's submission to the Father's will, even unto death, underscores the redemptive purpose of suffering and the call to trust in God's plan.

Biblical Teachings on Suffering

The New Testament offers further teachings on the attitude believers should adopt towards suffering. James encourages believers to "consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2-3). Similarly, Peter writes, "But if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed" (1 Peter 3:14), highlighting the spiritual benefits and blessings that can arise from enduring suffering with a righteous heart.

The Role of Suffering in Sanctification

Bodily suffering is often portrayed as a tool for sanctification, refining believers and drawing them closer to God. Hebrews 12:10-11 speaks of God's discipline, stating, "He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" . This passage emphasizes the transformative power of suffering in the believer's life.

Encouragement and Comfort

The Bible also offers comfort and encouragement to those enduring physical afflictions. In Romans 8:18, Paul writes, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us" , reminding believers of the eternal perspective that transcends temporal pain. Additionally, Revelation 21:4 promises a future without suffering: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" .

Through these examples and teachings, the Bible provides a framework for understanding and enduring bodily suffering with resignation, rooted in faith and hope in God's ultimate plan and purpose.Job 2:8-10
And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself with; and he sat down among the ashes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Fourth Word from the Cross
... whether He had only, on account of bodily weakness and a ... which was the extreme moment
of suffering, was also ... of despair was followed by no word of resignation. ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xvii the fourth word.htm

Letter v. --The Fear of Being Wanting in Submission.
... acts with regard to you, for, although you are suffering from a bodily illness,
your ... by preaching patience, submission, and continual resignation, so also ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter v the fear of being.htm

On the Feast of a Holy virgin
... lowly Love, to which we can attain only by resignation, suffering and love ... with him,
and submitting themselves earnestly and discreetly to bodily penance, with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxiv on the feast.htm

The Fifth Word
... word which tells of physical suffering, tells also ... of that Spirit under sharpest
bodily pain, that ... and unintelligent fatalism, which calls itself resignation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beibitz/gloria crucis/vi the fifth word.htm

Natural Evil, or Suffering, and Especially the Suffering of ...
... still leave us, in so far as bodily pain and ... But if suffering be not always inflicted,
under the ... are applicable to passive submission or resignation to his will ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter ii natural evil or.htm

Showing what the Forsaken Man Should Do
... to Thy good pleasure." Of all this suffering and abandonment the ... is adorned and
perfected in the bodily powers and ... in them the virtue of resignation reaches a ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xxix showing what the.htm

Of Compassion
... of His pains and the way of His resignation; of His ... a man will also regard with pity
the bodily needs of ... that men are so impatient of this suffering, that they ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xviii of compassion.htm

On the Feast of St Mary Magdalene
... Of the true resignation and seclusion by which we may ... us far better in all things,
both bodily and spiritual ... submit, as much in one kind of suffering and need ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xv on the feast.htm

Letter ix. --Passive Recollection.
... acute grief which sometimes affects the bodily health. ... of divine love by the suffering
caused by His ... torture do so by practising resignation, blind abandonment ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter ix passive recollection.htm

All Saints' Day, or St Ursula's Day
... He begins out of love to learn true resignation and patience ... suffers to the end all
the suffering that comes ... by means of any comfort, either bodily or spiritual ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxvii all saints day.htm

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