How does God use our suffering?
James 1 tells us to “count it all joy” when we face trials and tribulations because in us, these “light and momentary afflictions” (2 Corinthians 4:17) will produce completeness (James 1:4) or in Greek means, “all portions whole.” 1 Corinthians 4:17 also tells us we are achieving an eternal weight in glory.
We all know and love Romans 8:28, “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” For those of us in Christ Jesus, we might not understand or see on this side of heaven why we are going through our current troubles or pain, but we can trust in the character and nature of God. He is faithful, and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He does not waste our pain or suffering. He uses it to refine our faith, display His grace, and bring us closer to Him.
If we ever question His love for us, we need only look to the cross, consider the heavy burden Christ bore for the sins of the world, and the unimaginable agony He endured to pay the price for us. And His motivation was love. Love for us! (John 3:16).
Jesus tells us that in the world we will face tribulation. Not if, but when. It’s a certain thing. But then Jesus says, “Take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Jesus is our perfect High Priest and can empathize with us (see the book of Hebrews). We are never alone in our suffering.
Everything — everything — that Christ accomplished for us sinners, he accomplished by suffering. Everything that we will ever enjoy will come to us because of suffering.”
We can be encouraged and we can have peace in the midst of our suffering. There’s a purpose and our God doesn’t waste our pain. We may not know why, but we can trust Who—He is who we take refuge in, and He “always lives to make intercession” for us (Hebrews 7:25). In other words, Jesus is praying for you! Ponder on that today and be encouraged!
Have you experienced joy or perhaps something wonderful through suffering? Has God revealed His purpose through your pain?
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