SUFFERING

A clear understanding of the role of “suffering” in the Christian life is important. The ancient goldsmith refined crude gold ore by bringing it to a liquid in a crucible, under intense heat. The impurities which float on the surface were skimmed off; when the goldsmith could see the reflection of his face clearly mirrored in the surface of the liquid, he knew the content was pure gold. The Apostle Peter had this imagery in mind when he spoke of the “fiery trials” of the saints. Paul and James likewise admonished to count the joy and rejoice in the perfecting work of trials and tests, what Jesus called the narrow gated “difficult” way to eternal life in Him. Christian suffering may take on many forms but come it will for we are called to adversity:

Whether it comes in the form of rebukes, chastening and scourging which accompany Sonship, the reining in of our wayward will … Whether it comes in the form of trials and tests of faith which are the divine accompaniment and godward impetus of becoming Christlike … Whether it comes in the form of persecution and tribulation because of a Christlike nature …Whether it comes as the natural consequence of sin, reaping what we have sown … Suffering will come!

Suffering’s source is satan who lives to inflict pain on humanity, but, just as in the time of Job, God, who is absolutely sovereign over all, establishes the conditions and sets the limits of satan’s attacks. Suffering is described by many words in scriptures: difficulties, sickness, persecution, troubles, hardship, adversity, distresses, affliction, tribulation, etc., all words translated from the Greek “thlipsis”, to crush in the wine press of life. Suffering may be of a physical, emotional, financial or relational nature, or any combination thereof, and may be swiftly metered or lingering. These are the Potter’s, sculpturing tools used by a God of love to transform our nature into His. God never wastes anything, especially suffering and pain, but uses it to our very best benefit according to His eternal purposes … the testimony of the Cross. Suffering burns out the dross in our nature, makes for humility, purifies and increases our faith, induces spiritual mettle, and enriches our lives, drawing us ever godward into Christlikeness. And like the goldsmith of old, God keeps us in the smelting furnace of His love until He can see the reflection of the face of the Lord Jesus in our lives. God is not so much interested in how much work we do for Him, as He is in how much we resemble His Son. This is the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, preparing us for eternity with God while teaching us to kneel and kiss the hand that sometimes hurts.

NO ONE SHOULD BE SHAKEN BY AFFLICTION AND SUFFERING,

FOR YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT WE ARE APPOINTED TO THIS

(1 Thess. 3:3)