In his earlier years Paul prayed three times for God to remove the physical infirmities he was experiencing. He had yet to understand the purpose godly suffering plays in perfecting God’s nature in us and releasing His power through us (2 Cor. 12:7‑9). God said no, no and no! Later he came to understand suffering’s purpose and no longer petition God for a life free of suffering. "So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength)" (2 Cor. 12:10, AMP). Notice the listing: infirmities (sickness, Illness and associated weakness), insults, hardships (physical needs), persecution (to pursue, injure and afflict), perplexities (mental anguish), and distress (suffering, trouble, misfortune). Paul speaks of being hungry and thirsty, poorly clothed, scourged, beaten with rods, stoned, whipped, homeless, reviled, persecuted, defamed, abased, in danger of robbers and wild animals, suffering need and often in peril (1 Cor. 4:11-16; 2 Cor. 11:23-27; Phil. 4:12).
God said of Paul: “He is a chosen vessel of Mine ... For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-16). Paul was forewarned by God of the consequences of wearing His name. All who are honored to wear His name must recognize that saints are “appointed” to adversity, hard difficult times (1 Thess. 3:3), and that through much pressure and adversity we enter the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22) -- walking the “narrow” and “difficult” way (Matt. 7:14). Suffering is not a virtue we pursue but a reality that pursues us, and a divine opportunity for joy! If God is our greatest pleasure, then suffering for Him becomes our greatest joy. Listen to Apostle Paul: “I take pleasure in infirmities ...” Have you been looking for pleasure in all the wrong places??? Notice he said, "I am well pleased and take pleasure." Did he really say that? Yes, he had been caught up beyond the realm of self interest and had glimpsed the glory beyond suffering, beyond pain, beyond hardship. That is why he could say to the Romans, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Rom. 8:18). Who are these “us” who are to receive the revealed glory of God? All who have suffered as saints embracing the will of God. And what is God’s will for us? “You shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 5:48). The road to eternity with God takes many detours to the Potter’s Shack.
GOD’S GLORY IS BIRTHED IN ADVERSITY
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