I can't count how many "Aha!" moments I have experienced in my walk with Christ, but the latest has been among the sweetest. It is ironic concerning the subject matter: suffering. If my heart is Christ's home, I feel like a door I have never noticed before has opened up an entire wing for expansion of understanding. It is like a gate to a broad, green pasture has swung open before my eyes and in faith I have entered. No one on earth is a stranger to suffering, but to Christians the deeper significance of suffering is revealed. Paul reasons in Romans 8:17-18, "...if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
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For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." No one enjoys suffering. From our perspective, there is never a silver lining to that cloud. The fact is, God's path to the ultimate purpose of our lives is often entered through suffering.
Most of us aspire (against stark reality!) to make a lasting difference in the world for Christ. Most people have big plans: to write that best-selling book, to plant a church, compose the top worship songs, sell their screen play, serve on the mission field, be a committed spouse and parent, have millions of people hearing their sermons on the radio or internet, or a myriad of other dreams that never materialise. We don't like to admit it, but our biggest and best plans incidentally end up with us netting a bit of credit along the way! Think about all the ways that Jesus could have implemented to change the world. He didn't go about things the way we would have. He came to earth for the overriding purpose to suffer and die on a Roman cross so all might live through receiving the Gospel. Jesus said in John 12:27-28: "Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." Jesus accepted His suffering upon Calvary as the purpose for His entire life pointed towards. In being a willing sacrifice God was glorified.
God glorified His name, and will glorify it again through all of us who endure suffering with our faith squarely and wholly upon Jesus. Follow the progression: if it was God's will and plan to glorify His name through the suffering of Christ - the whole purpose for sending Him to earth - isn't it possible God's purpose for our lives is also embraced and realised through suffering? We all think we could make a big difference for God with that book deal or the latest mega church. It is more likely, I believe, that the suffering of one person can even make a bigger impact for eternity on this world. Jesus is the perfect example! His broken body and shed blood carries more weight for eternity than a million pod casts! A servant is not above His Master. Not all of us are gifted to preach or write books or that worship song that sweeps the globe. But all of us in whom the Holy Spirit dwells are able to endure suffering for the glory of God. 1 Peter 5:10 reads, "But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."
When we are counted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake, may we rejoice as the early disciples did (Acts 5:41). Their testimony is inscribed in God's word as a diamond pen on plates of iron, never to be forgotten by God or man. Songs are quickly out of style, books gather dust, and money grows wings and flies away. We wish following Christ meant our lives would be free of suffering, but it is IN suffering that we are more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37). If I did not suffer for my sins, would I have in desperation flown to Christ for salvation? Probably not. And if following Christ meant no suffering, people would be highly motivated to follow Him for purely selfish reasons! When Brother Yun was told that people were praying for a change in the government so house churches would have freedom, he said refused that line: "Don’t pray for the persecution to stop! We shouldn’t pray for a lighter load to carry, but a stronger back to endure! Then the world will see that God is with us, empowering us to live in a way that reflects His love and power. That is true freedom!” (The Heavenly Man, page 287)
If our suffering should be the means of God receiving the glory He deserves, may we rejoice that we have discovered the greatest purpose of our lives. Should not Jesus the Christ receive the reward of His suffering? When we suffer with Him for a short while on earth, we shall be glorified with Him forever. Ah! What sweetness and purpose there is when we keep this perspective!
Most of us aspire (against stark reality!) to make a lasting difference in the world for Christ. Most people have big plans: to write that best-selling book, to plant a church, compose the top worship songs, sell their screen play, serve on the mission field, be a committed spouse and parent, have millions of people hearing their sermons on the radio or internet, or a myriad of other dreams that never materialise. We don't like to admit it, but our biggest and best plans incidentally end up with us netting a bit of credit along the way! Think about all the ways that Jesus could have implemented to change the world. He didn't go about things the way we would have. He came to earth for the overriding purpose to suffer and die on a Roman cross so all might live through receiving the Gospel. Jesus said in John 12:27-28: "Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." Jesus accepted His suffering upon Calvary as the purpose for His entire life pointed towards. In being a willing sacrifice God was glorified.
God glorified His name, and will glorify it again through all of us who endure suffering with our faith squarely and wholly upon Jesus. Follow the progression: if it was God's will and plan to glorify His name through the suffering of Christ - the whole purpose for sending Him to earth - isn't it possible God's purpose for our lives is also embraced and realised through suffering? We all think we could make a big difference for God with that book deal or the latest mega church. It is more likely, I believe, that the suffering of one person can even make a bigger impact for eternity on this world. Jesus is the perfect example! His broken body and shed blood carries more weight for eternity than a million pod casts! A servant is not above His Master. Not all of us are gifted to preach or write books or that worship song that sweeps the globe. But all of us in whom the Holy Spirit dwells are able to endure suffering for the glory of God. 1 Peter 5:10 reads, "But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."
When we are counted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake, may we rejoice as the early disciples did (Acts 5:41). Their testimony is inscribed in God's word as a diamond pen on plates of iron, never to be forgotten by God or man. Songs are quickly out of style, books gather dust, and money grows wings and flies away. We wish following Christ meant our lives would be free of suffering, but it is IN suffering that we are more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37). If I did not suffer for my sins, would I have in desperation flown to Christ for salvation? Probably not. And if following Christ meant no suffering, people would be highly motivated to follow Him for purely selfish reasons! When Brother Yun was told that people were praying for a change in the government so house churches would have freedom, he said refused that line: "Don’t pray for the persecution to stop! We shouldn’t pray for a lighter load to carry, but a stronger back to endure! Then the world will see that God is with us, empowering us to live in a way that reflects His love and power. That is true freedom!” (The Heavenly Man, page 287)
If our suffering should be the means of God receiving the glory He deserves, may we rejoice that we have discovered the greatest purpose of our lives. Should not Jesus the Christ receive the reward of His suffering? When we suffer with Him for a short while on earth, we shall be glorified with Him forever. Ah! What sweetness and purpose there is when we keep this perspective!
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