How could we have Joy in Suffering?
3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)
As you reflect on your own life, consider a specific trial or difficulty you have faced or are currently facing as a Christian. Use this as a personal case study to examine how you have responded to suffering in light of your justification by faith.
Ask yourself:
- Did this experience lead you to a sharper focus and single-mindedness? Did it help you prioritize what truly matters and direct your attention more fully to prayer and God’s work in your life?
- Has your suffering produced a tested faith? Did you persevere despite your fears and doubts, growing in maturity and confidence as a result of having weathered the storm? Do you find yourself less anxious and more steadfast in your trust in God?
- Did this trial draw you into a deeper experience of God’s presence and love? Did you sense a greater closeness and intimacy with Him through the hardship?
If your suffering did not yield these outcomes, take a moment to prayerfully consider why.
- Was it a failure of the will? Did you neglect to spend time with God in worship and reflection, or did you disobey Him in an attempt to escape the difficulty of the situation?
- Was it a failure to fully grasp the gospel? Did your suffering cause you to question God’s love for you? While this is a natural response, the speed with which you are able to move past these doubts is a reflection of your understanding of justification.
Remember, God can use suffering as a loving “intervention” to awaken us to sin in our lives. Just as a loving parent may sometimes need to take a firm hand with a wayward child, God may allow hardship in our lives for our ultimate good and growth. If you are in Christ, your punishment has been fully absorbed by Jesus on the cross. God’s wrath toward you was exhausted in Christ’s sacrifice, leaving no residual anger or condemnation for you to bear.
You are free to view your sufferings not as God’s judgment or rejection, but as an opportunity to more fully appreciate the benefits you enjoy as His justified child. Through the lens of gospel faith, you can experience suffering in a unique way – as something that does not diminish your joy, for your joy is not rooted in the temporary comforts and securities that suffering may strip away, but in the eternal hope and unshakable love that is yours in Christ.
In moments of pain or difficulty, we often find ourselves instinctively turning to temporary comforts or distractions. What are some practical steps you can take to reorient your focus toward God and the eternal hope you have in Christ during these times?
[The ideas for this week’s materials on Romans 5:1-11 were drawn from Tim Keller’s book “Romans 1-7 for You“]
Regarding today’s question, I would have to say that I have found that as an alcoholic/addict, I am particularly susceptible to turning to temporary comforts or distractions in moments of pain or difficulty, so too I have found that the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous have helped me to continually reorient my focus toward God, and, along with the gospel message, the eternal hope I have in Christ during these times. Daily time in prayer and meditation upon His Word have been essential to this end, as each of these reminds me of who God is and who I am in light of that, as well as all that He has done for me. They serve to remind me of the depths of God’s amazing grace, regardless of whatever my circumstances may seem to be or how I may feel at any given time. When I come to God with a heart of gratitude, giving thanks first and foremost for my salvation, the implications of this begin to cause all my problems and difficulties to pale in comparison. I will say that some experiences are much more painful than others, and this doesn’t mean that the pain necessarily goes away, but, in time, if I remain persistent in it, God is always faithful to get me through it. The joy of the Lord, I have found, is not merely the absence of pain, but more of the proper perspective and placement of that pain. I have also found that many times, the difficulties I face are eventually used by God to help me connect with others that may be enduring the same type of suffering, and to be a conduit of His love and grace in their lives.
Before I came to know Christ I had no other options when it comes to suffering and I often distract myself with work and position and accumulation of wealth. I thought that if I could just have more wealth and financial security it would make everything better. That didn’t happen. Everything I tried to do to bring me peace let nowhere.
When I found the Lord, or rather when I heard the Lord’s call and came to Him, I still did not yet know Him or had enough faith in Him. But recently, I had come to know Him and I now find peace in Him. Now when I am stressed or must deal with something beyond my ability, which I admit to be many and more often most of everything I do, I some times need to remind myself that the Lord is near and that I can rely on Him and everything will be fine. It is easier and easier to remember to whom my faith lies. The best way to keep this mind set is to study His words each day and to speak with the Lord and to keep my eyes on Him every moment.