This is an edited part of my book (Dancing In The Dungeon). It comes from MANY sources (Not referenced in this post). I hope it will be of encouragement.
Since God is the same yesterday, today, and forever… what Paul wrote God did in him is possible for God to do in us. Consider what is written in Philippians 4:11-13…
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, & I know how to abound. In any & every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty & hunger, abundance & need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Since there is nothing God cannot do (Except what is contrary to His character such as lie or sin), consider the following…
Gen 18:10 The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, & Sarah… shall have a son.”12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, & my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13 The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh & say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you about this time next year, & Sarah shall have a son.”
Is 59:1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear
Mt 19:26 Jesus looked at them & said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (They were talking about salvation!)
Lk 1:36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, & this is the 6th month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Lk 18:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” 27 But he said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”
Eph 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
…there is no reason to doubt that God has, can, and will work the same in us… Phil 1:6, 2:13.
Phil 1:6 He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Phil 2:13 It is God who works in you, both to will & work for His good pleasure. (The “good work in you” is Ro 8:28-29!)
Ro 8:28 We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son (NASB)
“Good” in Ro 8:28 is “conformity to Christ” in Ro 8:29!
This is accomplished by The Spirit is as we “hide His words in our heart so that we will not sin against Him” (Ps 119:11). The purpose of this study is to expose you to many passages of hope in a few pages.
Paul asks a question we must ask in Gal 3:4, “Did you suffer so many things in vain…?” The implication is suffering multiple ways is intended by God to have particular, positive, and desired results.
Depending on your view of God, understanding of Scripture, and how those things effect the way you process life… you will either look for and find reasons to grow in Christ, OR you will be a fatalist living life without much hope or purpose.
My prayer is you will purposely process your life events through the sieve of Bible truth. I pray God will help you redeem your hardships for His glory and your comfort.
Meditating on God through Scripture is a way God comforts those in affliction. I have found it helpful to return to God’s Word & meditate on His truths to help me focus my heart on God’s reality rather than my emotional false omniscience. This study is designed to present a truth, briefly comment, then Scripture for contemplation & support.
There are many ways to apply what follows. You can read each truth; read each truth and a passage of Scripture; or take one truth and Scripture to meditate on for a period of time. The important thing is to drive the God’s Word so deep into your spirit & The Spirit will comfort you.
These are written in the first person by design to address the question, “God, WHY is this happening?”
The Scripture foundation begins with Ja 1:2-4 where it is written…
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect & complete, lacking in nothing.
It is easy to agree intellectually with James, but hard to be joyful when hurting unless the reason to “count it all joy” is embraced. Joy isn’t because of the trial… but rather WHAT God is accomplishing through the trial. Thus the list of reasons below to “count it all joy” in suffering. These are in no specific order, after the first two…
God’s Glory. The most important thing in the universe is God’s glory. The fact is God will glorify His name in all things, including His children’s suffering. God’s glory is more important than ease, comfort, or temporal blessings. Only when God’s glory is more important than anything will anyone be able to count it all joy when they suffer.
For my own name’s sake I delay my wrath; for the sake of My praise I hold it back from you, so as not to cut you off. See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield My glory to another. (Is 48:9-11)
Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, & there is no other; I am God, & there is none like Me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. (Is 46:9-10)
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more & more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. (2 Cor 4:15)
Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. (Jn 21:19)
Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” (Jn 12:27-28)
Suffering is God’s will. God’s will and glory are above… beyond… and more significant than anything I want or desire. God’s will is for me to be blessed through suffering. While every Christian wants to be in God’s will, most don’t understand is it is God’s will for them to suffer in order to be blessed. As it is written…
Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. (Mark 10:29-30)
Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. (John 15:20)
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake… (Philippians 1:29)
All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Tim 3:12)
The Spirit Himself bears witness w/ our spirit that we are children of God, & if children, then heirs—heirs of God & fellow heirs w/ Christ, provided we suffer w/ him in order that we may also be glorified w/ him. (Romans 8:16-17)
The Spirit Himself bears witness w/ our spirit that we are children of God, & if children, then heirs—heirs of God & fellow heirs w/ Christ, provided we suffer w/ him in order that we may also be glorified w/ him. (Romans 8:16-17)
Through Suffering Humility Is Accomplished. An enemy within me is pride, AKA selfishness, AKA self-centeredness. It is impossible for me to be conformed to the image of Christ as long as pride is in my heart.
Thus God takes action to eliminate a boastful attitude that opposes humility. A powerful example of God attacking pride is the preemptive strike God took in Paul’s life which is representative of what He does in all His children. By knowing God is accomplishing humility through hardship, there is reason to count it all joy.
To keep me from becoming conceited b/c of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded w/ the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor 12:7-10)
Suffering Reveals The Need For Sanctification. I don’t know what I need to become more like Jesus. The danger of prideful conceit creeps into my heart easily. Paul was unaware of his need for sanctification in the area of pride UNTIL the messenger of Satan came into his life. Then he began understanding the thorn of suffering as a blessing from God. In suffering I see what God always sees to correct. Thus joy. (2 Cor 12:7-10)
Suffering Teaches Complete Rest In Christ’s Power. Everyone has a breaking point. Sooner or later everyone is at the end of their rope. There are times GOD purposely puts me in such a position to remind me who IS and who can’t. Those who are wise learn to trust God in good & bad times knowing He controls them all. Those who walk with God delight more in their weaknesses because then God is glorified as they rest & rely on Him alone. Thus a reason for joy. (2 Cor 12:7-10)
Suffering Is God’s Method Of Sanctification. Knowing what God is doing… glorifying His name, doing His will, humbling His servant, revealing the need for sanctification, resting completely in His power (See above)… means I am conscious of the big picture of God’s work in me. Being conscious of God making me more like Jesus is a blessing Job didn’t have. Thus I have joy knowing God is in the process of sanctifying me. (Job 1-2)
Suffering Conforms Me To Christ’s Image. God is so determined to make me more like His Son that He does not leave it to chance. There is no possibility that I will not become more like Jesus because both the process and result are predestined by God. There is no possibility of God failing what He’s willed to accomplish in me. There is no possibility of not becoming more holy, more Godly, and more like Jesus. This is reason to count it all joy.
For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29)
Suffering Draws Me Closer To God. “The same sun that softens wax, hardens clay.” When dark days invade my life I find my heart is drawn to God, not repelled from Him. Whatever draws me closer to God & makes me more like Jesus is worth it. As found in the hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, “Let goods & kindred go, this mortal life also; The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever.”
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. (Ps 119:67, 71)
Jesus Is Manifested In Me. It is because Christ is in me that I am better able to suffer in a manner to glorify God. As a result, the more of Jesus I have AND the more people see Jesus in me. As God comforts & sustains me in the hardest & most difficult times, the resurrection power of Jesus is manifested in the world & as a result He is glorified. Thus a reason to count it all joy.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God & not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. (2 Cor 4:7-12)
Suffering Results In Spiritual Maturity. The Biblical attitude toward suffering is found in embracing what God is doing and participating with Him in it. The joy is not in the trial, but rather the eventual result and outcome the trial will produce… namely spiritual maturity also known as conformity to Christ. Thus a powerful reason to count it all joy!
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)
Suffering Results In Sharing Christ’s Glory. Since suffering is God’s will to sanctify me and conform me to the image of Christ, I will not be surprised when hard times enter my life because they have been ordained by God for His glory. I am therefore able to rejoice because sharing in Christ’s sufferings means also sharing in his glory and rewards. Thus a reason to count it all joy.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory & of God rests upon you. (1 Pet 4:12-14)
Suffering Results In God’s Comfort. Paul wrote he was willing to suffer the loss of all things IF that was what it took to be more like Jesus and closer to God. One thief on the cross in essence said, “Get me off this cross and I will follow you.” The other, “If it takes this cross for me to be with you it is worth it.” Therefore, if it takes suffering to be closer to God and experience more of Him and His comfort, it is well worth it. See # 8 above. That is a great reason to count it all joy.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction… (2 Cor 1:3)
Suffering Equips Me To Comfort Others. I am not to live my life on an island, but to be God’s hands and feet to help His kingdom of peace to spread abroad. Therefore, I am called to look for, search out, find, and comfort others with the same comforts God has effected in my life for comfort.
My own suffering will lend credibility to others who suffer to know that God does comfort as they hear my testimony of God’s comfort in my suffering. This is a reason to count it all joy.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Cor 1:3-4)
Suffering Emboldens Other Christians. Surprisingly, suffering is God’s chosen means & way for the Gospel to spread. As Christians suffer in a manner that joyfully glorifies God other Christians see & as a result are infused with The Spirit to follow their example. As I joyfully suffer in a manner that glorifies God, there will be others who see what God does and will fearlessly respond to God’s call on their life to follow Him. This is a wonderful reason to count it all joy.
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the imperial guard & to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Phil 1:12-14)
Suffering Perfects God’s Power In Me. Athletes prepare to win a contest by “suffering” (training) so that when the time comes they can overcome their opponent. If athletes know this maxim, how much more should I embrace the truth of weakness and suffering as THE best way I am vested with the power of Christ?!
Suffering exploits my weaknesses which as a result are overwhelmed with the power of Christ. This is indeed a reason to count suffering as joy!
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Cor 12:9)
Suffering Increases My Rewards. If I live over 100 years, it is nothing compared to eternity! Therefore, it is better to submit to God who is increasing my eternal rewards than to have ease in this life. Afflictions that are “slight” (death) and “momentary” (80 years) are but a small thing compared to what God has prepared in heaven. That indeed is a reason to count it all joy!
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2 Cor 4:16-18)
Since God IS accomplishing at least these things in my life, how can I not “Count it ALL joy?” How much of an insult is it to push back at God when the only thing He wills and desires is His glory & my ultimate good?! Even a dog does not bite the hand that feeds him. How much more is it only right to thank God for what some consider suffering when there are at least these 16 reasons to count everything that happens in life joy?
As Larry Crabb wrote, “Every event of life is God calling you to a closer walk with Him.” I am convinced that those who walk the closest with God are those who suffer most… joyfully… for His glory!
This is a very good explanation of why we suffer. I have your book and find it helpful and encouraging.