Freiburger: ^Even if the bible spoke about long suffering, i personaly understand that as the patience we should exercise during the time of crisis, while avoiding doing the otherwise. Hebrews 2:10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. at the same time, the bible never encouraged laziness as today's pastors will say ''leave all you are doing behind, come to my church 3-4times a week, and the God of Elijah will provide for you'' that is an exact opposite of what the bible mean't with long suffering.

Nonso23: MY OPINION IS ONE AMONG MILLIONS BUT STILL ITS AN OPINION NONETHELESS.... I BELIEVE THE INTEGRAL PORTION LACKING IN XTIANITY IS OUR BELIEF THAT SUFFERING IS NOT OUR PORTION..MAYBE BECAUSE WE ARE MISLED BY PASTORS OR SOMETHING... I DUNNO BUT I GUESS ALL I'M TRYING TO SAY IS ... MY OPINION IS IN SUPPORT OF THE ABOVE...

Really like your question especially the part I bolded...I have been a CEC member for about 10 years and it's only just about resently that CONCRETE teaching on CHALLENGES and TOUGH TIMES have been taught...
I have learnt not to base my CONVICTIONS on what MAN teaches but to try and find out what EXACTLY does the WORD say...and it has been a blessing and AN AWAKENING for me personally...

Freiburger: ^Even if the bible spoke about long suffering, i personaly understand that as the patience we should exercise during the time of crisis, while avoiding doing the otherwise. Hebrews 2:10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. at the same time, the bible never encouraged laziness as today's pastors will say ''leave all you are doing behind, come to my church 3-4times a week, and the God of Elijah will provide for you'' that is an exact opposite of what the bible mean't with long suffering.

Candour: Suffering is not necessarily a part of Christianity as much as its a fact of living in a fallen world.

This is soo POWERFUL... MADE MY DAY!!!

Xsolutions: If only our biggest/most popular Pastor's/Ministers preach these truths...EVERYTHING WOULD HAVE BEEN SOO MUCH BETTER AND EASIER instead of preaching UNREALITIES THAT MAY CAUSE YOU TO SHOUT AND SCREAM about what the WORD does not say and mean and then you begin to wonder why things didn't go as they were said in Church...SMH

Candour: Suffering is not necessarily a part of Christianity as much as its a fact of living in a fallen world.
Boko haram in the north of Nigeria affects Christians, Muslims, pagans and atheists. Tsunami, earthquakes and other natural disasters is the lot of Christians and others in south east Asia. The effects of global warming can be felt the world over. Until the plan of redemption culminates in the millennial reign, these things will continue and even increase.
That said, being a Christian in this sinful and corrupt world comes with its challenges. You lose contracts or jobs because you refuse to bribe or sleep with the boss.You're singled out for victimization because you refused to be part of the fraud syndicate in the office. You miss a 'fine marriage' match because you refuse to sleep with the guy before tying the knot etc.
These are some of the things that could afflict a christian but we are to persevere and not be deterred. We are enjoined to remain steadfast and immoveable. We are enjoined to take our requests to God who called us
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Paul admonished us thus
Philippians 2:14-15 KJV
Do all things without murmurings and disputings: [15] That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Peter also said
1 Peter 2:11-12 KJV
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; [12] Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Finally we should remember
Hebrews 13:5 KJV
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

nlMediator:

Excellent! You surprised me here!!

Hoping to contribute tomorrow, God willing.

Candour:
Really??
If indeed I surprised you, then it's my turn to be surprised.
@the bolded, so you believe God can will otherwise? Interesting!!

nlMediator:

Ha ha ha! Of course, God's will can be contrary to ours. And sometimes we either do not know it or do know it but want to do something different. I thought I've said that in many words on this forum? If you know where I've stated or suggested otherwise, please point me to it.

Also, what we should not do is use "God willing" or "if it be Thy will" in prayer. Especially where the will of God is known (e.g healing) or where we are praying in faith. You'll not see that taught or practiced anywhere among New Testament folks. Such insertion tends to nullify faith. If you're not sure of what God's will is before you ask for it (e.g particular job), go to God in prayer first and ascertain His will.