Glory in our sufferings

https://odb.org/MY/2023/06/08/strengthened-through-trials

Lately, the topic of trials and tribulations has surfaced a few times in these pages. For example: https://ronnielim.com/2023/06/04/standing-for-jesus/ or https://ronnielim.com/2023/05/26/god-stands-with-us/ or even https://ronnielim.com/2023/06/05/seasons/.

It is inevitable that as believers, we will face trials and tribulations like any other human. But more so, as a believer because we live lives that are “right side up” – not conforming to the pattern of this world as we transform ourselves by the renewal of our mind so that we may test (prove or experience) the good, pleasing and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). And we also know that God makes all things good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28) and that He makes all things beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Paul, however, takes this one step further by declaring that we should glory in our sufferings. Rather than dread and shun the trials and tribulations, we take it as a badge of honour. That Jesus finds we are worthy to suffer for Him, to share in the glory of His sufferings. So, rather than wallowing in self-pity and getting upset with God for not shielding or protecting us, Paul suggests that we should stand proud that we are going through such trauma and stress.

The reason is because suffering produces perseverance and perseverance, character, and character, hope. It is by going through suffering that we learn to rely on God and push through (perseverance) and as we experience God, we develop the character of Christ in us and ultimately through the character of Christ, we have genuine hope in the glory of God.

Through the whole process, which will likely span our whole lifetime, we will grow in our relationship with God such that when we depart this earthen vessel (as Paul likes to describe our physical bodies), we will have so much confidence that we will gladly and so happily meet Jesus on the other side. Sufferings will help us develop the perseverance, character, and hope in Christ that is unshakeable. That is why Paul glories in his sufferings – he knows that it can only strengthen his resolve and hope in God. We will not meet our maker in fear and trembling, not knowing whether our names are written in the Book of Life but will instead have the full confidence that Christ will say to us, “well done, good and faithful servant – welcome to your rest!”.

I doubt that we will have the same confidence if we had never in our whole Christian life suffered for Christ or the Gospel before. Not a question of a weighing scale but a question of our relationship and experience of the Saviour while we go through suffering that produces perseverance and, from that, character and hope. Therefore, my dear brethren, if we are going through suffering, pain, and trauma, wear it as a badge of honour for Christ!