HE SPEAKS IN OUR AFFLICATIONS

Romans 8:18

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

This society of ours seems to be dedicated to removing every last bit of suffering from our lives. But try as we might, we cannot completely eliminate suffering. We might not be so anxious to avoid suffering if we took a moment to look at it from God's perspective. Consider the following:

Job 36:15: "But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction." I don't know about you, but during my greatest periods of suffering is when God has spoken to me most clearly. (Or perhaps I was more attentive.)

Hebrews 12:7: "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" All too often we view hardship (suffering) as punishment. In fact, we often see discipline in much the same way. But isn't teaching a child to become successful through discipline -- in thought and action -- one of the goals of fatherhood?

Psalm 119:50: "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." While in suffering I've also learned to depend exclusively on the Lord -- sometimes because there was no other choice.

The point Paul makes in our passage today is twofold. First, these periods of suffering provide insight into what it is like to have a close, personal relationship with the Father (in other words, the closeness we experience is a preview or a taste of the "glory that will be revealed in us" for all of eternity). And second, whatever pain we suffer will be nothing when viewed from an eternal perspective.

Here are three Biblical perspectives on suffering: First, there is suffering that simply must be endured without losing faith. Second, there is suffering meant to teach a lesson. And third, there is suffering to share in, understand, and depend upon the sacrifice Christ made for us. Which are you going through right now? Have you been steadfast in your faith? What attitudes need changing?

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