What is suffering for God’s glory? And how can we develop a new mindset on suffering?
We all hear the word ‘suffering’ and think that it is a negative concept. Don’t get me wrong, it does affect our mood, mind, and even our bodies; it can also affect our spiritual walk. The key part here is IF WE LET IT.
We have a choice in how we respond to suffering. Yes it can lead to low mood, even depression and sometimes suicidal ideation.
Even the Bible talks about suffering, it even goes as far to say we should expect suffering!
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
1 Peter 4:12
There are many reasons suffering occurs, as seen in the above article, including sin and enemy attack, if your experiencing the latter, check out ‘Battle Strategies for Spiritual Warfare.’
But the reason for suffering that I want to talk about today is suffering for God’s glory.
Now, I know that if you suffer from an illness or health condition, there is healing. God healed in the Bible, through Jesus, and still is today, there are SO MANY testimonies of people being healed. Jesus went to cross and “by his stripes” we are healed. In my case though, and many others, we may be suffering for Gods glory.
There are many people in the Bible and still now who experience persecution just for being a Christian. You can see as much in the news.
Suffering for God's Glory; My Story
“Why is this happening?”
“When will this end?”
Why aren’t I healed?”
“What can I do to change this situation?”
“Is there a sin I haven’t repented of?”
These are just a few of the questions I kept asking God. Then one day, in desperate prayer I begged Him to tell me if there was anything I could do. Within three days, then regularly throughout the following months, He kept telling me “It is for my glory.” This began with a friend telling me that the Lord had pressed on his heart to share with me the verses in the gospels about Jesus and the blind man. Jesus’ disciples asked Him why the man was blind, did he or his parents sin? Jesus’ response “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:1-6) At first, I responded, to God with thanks, but underneath I was reeling with the fact I still had to suffer, with this condition (Neurocardiogenic Syncope) it has already been 28 years! The Lord then went on to bring me scripture after scripture about suffering for His glory. The following verses, helped me make a shift to my perspective. Reading Pauls letters, seeing how much he suffered (prison, beating, near to death, the thorn in his side- whatever condition that may have been) and his response to it all was enlightening.
Scriptures on Suffering for God's Glory
“So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.” Acts 5:41
“Strengthening the souls of the disciples. encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5
“And if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:17-18
“Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,” Romans 12:12
“Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer” 2 Corinthians 1:4-6
“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
“I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.” 2 Corinthians 7:4
“Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me-to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
“For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29
“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is locking in Christ’s afflictions.” Colossians 1:24
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.” 2 Thessalonians 1:5
“Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:3
“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12
Suffering for God's Glory; A New Perspective
As you can see there are so many verses on the topic of suffering for God’s glory. So if God has told you that your suffering is for His glory then this is how we should perceive it and what you can do:
- Rejoice, for being worthy enough to suffer for God.
- Be reassured that this suffering will bring about perseverance, character & hope.
- Suffering is nothing compared to the glory to come- Hope.
- Devote yourself to prayer.
- Accept comfort from God/ patiently endure.
- Seek & receive Joy from the Holy Spirit.
- Know that Gods grace is enough.
- In your weaknesses, Gods strength can be seen.
- Give thanks.
- Know you are blessed and will receive eternal life that’s been promised to you.
With suffering will come emotional distress, but use that in prayer and learn to lament, giving God your thoughts, feelings and struggles, give Him your heart, He wants you to talk to Him and He wants to comfort you, He is a compassionate God. So, let God in and get real with yourself and Him. But if you’re in a really low place and simply don’t know what to say then the below video will help.
Learn to rejoice – feel or show great joy or delight, give thanks and apply the above and you will be strengthened. Amen!
If you need extra support, check out what’s available, including (free) Christian Guidance, I’d be happy to chat and pray with you.
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