Real Hope: Suffering & TrialsParaugs

BLESSINGS BY TRIAL

Paul suffered many trials in his missionary journeys. He faced floggings, shipwreck, and imprisonment. He was hounded out of cities, and yet, from these times of trial, he does not think of the negatives or of his suffering. He sees things in terms of the perspective of what has been gained. For him, imprisonment has meant the Gospel has been advanced. ‘... It has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.’

It is not always easy to see suffering as a means of blessing. At least, not when one is going through pain and loss. Often it takes time and perspective to see how God has used these trials to strengthen us, to sharpen our sense of what is important in our lives, to remind us of who is in control. Suffering and trials show us it is not us who are in control, despite all the props we have to ensure our safety and health. Things happen – jobs are lost, car accidents happen, disasters occur, illness crops up, sadly, even children die. No one gets through life without experiencing a loss that deeply impacts our sense of control.

Paul says, ‘because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord’. How would it be to be able to look back on your personal suffering and see how it has ultimately brought strength and confidence to others? It brings with it a divine purpose and moves the attention from suffering to seeing the goodness of God at first hand.

written by TIM COSTELLO

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