As I mentioned yesterday, I've been reading a lot about Job these days. So, of course, I've been studying suffering. Job was one of the people in the Bible who went through some of the most intense suffering. But he's not the only sufferer whose story is recorded in the Bible. Peter, Paul, John, Ruth and Naomi, Ezekiel, and Habakkuk suffered too, and that's just to name a few! And, of course, our Lord Jesus Christ suffered, more than you or I ever will. You see, the Word is full of records of Christians suffering. Many suffered because of their beliefs, but others, like Ruth and Naomi, suffered for the same reason most Christians in North America today suffer - because we live in a fallen, sinful world. Death, sickness, financial insecurity - these are all things completely out of our control that we suffer from.
And sometimes it's hard to think of God as sovereign in the midst of our suffering. Because if He's sovereign, that would mean that He has control over our suffering, and He's letting us suffer. And that's true. But our suffering is never without purpose. God uses all our suffering to bring about His glorious purposes. As my New Testament Survey curriculum points out, God will use suffering to, first and foremost, bring glory to Himself, and then to deepen our spiritual character, and finally, He will reward our faithful obedience. We don't suffer for no reason. God has a plan in the midst of our suffering.
So when you get that doctor's report, or that unthinkable phone call, don't reject God's sovereignty. Embrace it. You have the King of kings, the Creator, the Lord of the universe on your side. (Romans 8:38-39) He promises to never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) He's using your suffering for His good purposes, and lest you think He leaves you alone during your suffering: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." (Psalm 23:4)
And sometimes it's hard to think of God as sovereign in the midst of our suffering. Because if He's sovereign, that would mean that He has control over our suffering, and He's letting us suffer. And that's true. But our suffering is never without purpose. God uses all our suffering to bring about His glorious purposes. As my New Testament Survey curriculum points out, God will use suffering to, first and foremost, bring glory to Himself, and then to deepen our spiritual character, and finally, He will reward our faithful obedience. We don't suffer for no reason. God has a plan in the midst of our suffering.
So when you get that doctor's report, or that unthinkable phone call, don't reject God's sovereignty. Embrace it. You have the King of kings, the Creator, the Lord of the universe on your side. (Romans 8:38-39) He promises to never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) He's using your suffering for His good purposes, and lest you think He leaves you alone during your suffering: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." (Psalm 23:4)