The Truth of Suffering

Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again rejoice.” This appears to be an easy command, and we have even created children’s songs about this verse. We simply sing them over and over again! When life is excellent, reciting these words often comes with ease. Yet, this verse is made by a man in prison. a man who is staying in a prison that has most likely led him to be sick, malnourished, and grossly having to defecate in his cell—just keeping it real! According to 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, we even see that outside his prison cell, he had been beaten too many times to count. He had been left close to being dead, received 39 lashes five times, stoned, beaten by rods, shipwrecked three times, encountered robbers, and even other dangers among these things. Still, we see His final words to us are to rejoice in the Lord always.

This begs the honest question, how do we, like Paul, rejoice with honesty and integrity when life leads to hardship? Here is what we know, living a life for Christ can and WILL bring trouble and even suffering. However, in the midst of our suffering we can be reminded that we are living for an eternal mindset in a fleeting and fading world.

Like Paul, that suffering will often be overwhelming and intense. Yet somehow, in the midst of our suffering, God calls us to rejoice. Matt chandler says, “God is not glorified when we rejoice in horrible things. He is glorified when in the deepest possible pain, you say, ‘I trust you, help me.’” Furthermore, Philippians 1:6-7 teaches us that we are partakers of His grace. So, as we suffer, we experience God’s loving grace. Wayne Barber describes God’s loving grace as “Jesus being Jesus in us, living His life through us” Therefore, we know we are called to rejoice, despite our suffering because as we suffer, we still can view God’s, perfect love.

Christ has in no way called us to live a life full of prosperity; instead, He shows us that there will be hardship. Still, it is worth it. He shows us that experiencing His loving grace is much greater than any other love we could share. He shows us that even in the midst of our suffering, He is still good, and His love is profoundly and completely sufficient. And just as many of us have grown up hearing, Paul shows us that as we suffer in life, we can still do all things through Him who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

My friends, I have quickly been reminded this year that we live in a fleeting and fading world. Our bodies will fail us, and our expectations may never be met. But, though this world brings heartache, I am confident that I serve a God who has promised me an eternity with Him. Without this promise, I am not sure what my life would look like. I could not handle the pain, failure, or disappointment.

My Dad once told me that my response to my circumstance will always determine my outcome. Maybe we cannot change what our situation is, but maybe our response can change our outlook. Here is my response. I know that MY GOD gives me HOPE (check out 1 Peter!). This is the type of hope that brings me joy in ALL trials. PEACE amid heartache. TRUST when questions cannot be answered.

You see, I am confident that God is Faithful, and His love for us is not bound by our trials, circumstances, or even sometimes our short depiction of how loving He is. Actually, I believe that He often uses our hardships to draw us closer to Him on this earth. And as a result, it makes us long for the day that we will be entirely restored with Him. Until then, my response to my trials will be, praise. Praise of who He is, what He has done, and what He will do. Why? Because His love has conquered all tears, shortcomings, and failures through His Son. Now, in all things, I cannot help but share His story and pray that maybe He can use mine to bring Him glory.

So, what is your response to the suffering that you face?

Here is what I can tell you. Your response to your trial and hardships will always determine your outcome, and I hope your answer is the same as that of Pauls. I pray that you will choose to rejoice in the Lord always. Because it is only His Spirit that will renew your strength, give you joy, provide you peace, and promise you an eternity with Him.

Psalm 126

“Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the River. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”