There’s a common misconception being presented from some pulpits across our land that once you commit your life to Jesus Christ, it’s smooth sailing from there. After all, aren’t you a “King’s kid”?
Yes, receiving Christ as Savior and Lord – being “born again” as He termed it in John 3:3 – means we become children of God. But that doesn’t mean never having to face hardships, struggles or pain. The Son of God, Jesus had “nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20); He endured extreme opposition; and suffered terrible scourging, then was crucified. If our Lord suffered, why should we be exempt?
In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul says part of our ‘job description’ as followers of Christ involves adversity. “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for Him” (Philippians 1:29).
Then Paul declares, “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11). “Sharing in His sufferings”? Bold, powerful words, right?
The apostle wasn’t writing from a beach resort – he was in prison, fully aware that his time on earth was nearing a close. And yet Paul didn’t complain about his circumstances. If anything, he rejoiced because of them: “…what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ” (Philippians 1:12-13).
Even as a prisoner of Rome, Paul used every opportunity to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. His message wasn’t falling on deaf ears; even his jailers were hearing and responding to the Gospel. While boldly declaring, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,” he also told believers in Philippi with confidence, “I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith” (Philippians 1:21,25).
Everyone who has participated in an exercise regimen has heard the mantra, “No pain, no gain.” To get stronger, faster, lose weight, recover from an injury, or just get in better shape, it’s going to require strain, aches and soreness. Considering how the Lord often works in our lives – especially in the hard times – we could state this a bit differently: “God doesn’t waste pain.”
Looking back over my life, moments I’ve grown the most spiritually have often been while experiencing adversity: major challenges at work; struggling when there was too much month and not enough money left; going through open-heart surgery; working through serious family crises.
Every time I felt like giving up, crying out to God, “I can’t do this!” I’d sense Him responding, “I know, My child, but if you’ll trust Me, I will do it through you.”
Years ago, I had the privilege of helping a good friend write a book titled, “Advancing Through Adversity.” Mike was an entrepreneur who had worked hard to build a successful business in the tech industry. He’d committed his company to the Lord and trusted Him to guide his decisions. Still he encountered setbacks that seemed overwhelming.
Working through formidable problems wasn’t fun, but ultimately Mike was able to look back and see not only how God had worked to resolve those issues but also how those times served to strengthen and refine his faith. In the process, he became a much more effective witness for Christ as his employees and peers in the industry observed how he coped with one kind of adversity after another.
The Bible underscores the value and importance of adversity in our spiritual journey. For instance, Romans 5:3-5 tells us, “…we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.”
Later in his same letter to Christ followers in Rome, the apostle Paul made a statement most of us have heard many times: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). This might not seem the case as we’re going through hard times, and it’s sometimes tossed out carelessly as a casual platitude. Even so, it’s true, a promise from God – even though we might only recognize it in hindsight.
Another apostle, James, affirmed Paul’s perspective when he wrote, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).
No one wants adversity. The Scriptures don’t tell us to seek it out or pray for it. But when it comes, as it inevitably does, we have the Lord’s assurance that He knows what we’re facing and will indeed use it for our good in transforming us “into the likeness of His Son” (Romans 8:29).
No comments:
Post a Comment