Debbie Swindell

We are Never Alone

My God, full of compassion, is always with those who belong to him. We are never alone. My identity is secure because I have placed my trust in Christ. I can humbly approach the throne of a God who is big enough to handle even the toughest problems in life, and who can hold my emotions in his hands. This is who my God is.

Through personal experiences, I have learned that life is not always under my control. When I am suffering, my emotions can shatter no matter how strong I have been. However, my decision to fight through pain and suffering biblically shows that I acknowledge a God who is purposefully working in the lives of His children.

The details of my suffering, trials, and tears matter. God is using every moment to teach me about sin, Jesus, and who I am in Him. He has not forgotten me, and His hope-filled work continues in me. Are you sure of your identity in Christ, and do you believe, really believe, that He is with you in every detail of your life?

God uses chronic pain and weakness, along with other afflictions, as his chisel for sculpting our lives. Felt weakness deepens dependence on Christ for strength each day. The weaker we feel, the harder we lean. And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow spiritually, even while our bodies waste away and to live with your ‘thorn’ uncomplainingly — that is, sweet, patient, and free in heart to love and help others, even though every day you feel weak — is true sanctification. It is true healing for the spirit. It is a supreme victory of grace. 

– J.I. Packer

The Loving Shepherd

The compassion and care of the Lord towards us do not reduce our suffering. It is only God who knows and works for the best outcome. Take into consideration the 23rd Psalm and find comfort in the fact that the same shepherd who takes care of his sheep by quiet waters is the same one who tends to them in the valley of darkness.

The sheep do not foolishly wander into the valley, they are led there by their loving shepherd. They enter the valley according to his good plan and perfect purpose, only for their benefit, and because the shepherd leads them to something better beyond the valley.

They are never alone even for a moment. Therefore, when we question God’s goodness inwardly, we must view our situation appropriately. Jesus is our good shepherd and we are one of his flock.

Unto the upright, there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. – Psalm 112:4.

Different Kinds of Suffering

Sometimes, we tend to lose sight of Christ and become too focused on the problems in our lives. These problems can be obvious, like losing a job, going through a divorce, or being in an accident. In other cases, personal situations may not be as apparent but can still lead to significant changes. Despite the Bible telling us to share in Christ’s sufferings, trouble can still make it difficult for us to see God.

Phil 3:7-10 – “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” 

When Paul says he counts the things he lost as rubbish, he does not think of them as having any value, and he does not live with them constantly on his mind. What (or who) do you have that is always on your mind?

If you have yet to go through suffering, I can assure you that you will. If you have yet to experience a close relationship with someone who has suffered, I assure you you will. Knowing more about how we can face and respond biblically to suffering will benefit you now and prepare you for the future. We all suffer to some degree in our lives. The Bible defines three kinds of suffering: 

• Deserved suffering: We sin, and we suffer misery for it. Ex: Our sin and its effects catch up with us. (Numbers 32:23)
•  Innocent suffering: We do not sin or do anything wrong but still suffer. Ex: A natural disaster brings innocent suffering. (2 Kings 21:16)
• Righteous suffering: We not only do not sin but do what is right. Ex: We stand for Jesus and his gospel and suffer for it. (1 John 3:12)

Blessed is the one who endures trials because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. – Jas 1:12

God Allows Disruptions

This past April, I experienced a time of almost unbearable physical pain. My most vivid memory is of a sleepless night while I paced the floor with my phone while reading Scripture. Years ago, I learned to go to the Bible to dwell on what God has revealed about himself and who I am in him. His voice speaks through the Word during times of trouble, especially this night. And his truth becomes salve to a wound. 

Suffering changes us. God allows disruptions to our lives and many times in the process, he lets the impurities in our hearts float to the surface so we can see them, repent of them, and become more like Christ. 

A Peculiar Hope

Rather than living life with a fearful prospect of what may be tomorrow, next week, or five years from now, we can choose to live a life that reflects what is, namely, the present, abiding reality of Jesus Christ. Choosing not to dwell in our waves of feelings and impulsive assumptions, we can stand on a right and prevailing conviction of who God has revealed Himself to be in His Word. 

Christians have peculiar hope. We can choose to look beyond our everchanging circumstances and look to our unchanging God. We link our suffering with eternity when we understand that we no longer must get stuck in the present reality. Our union with Christ secures hope for eternity! 

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. – Col 3:1-4

Application

No one likes to suffer. Christians approach pain and suffering with the belief that there is significant gain at the end, and we are told repeatedly in Scripture to keep our eyes on eternal gain. We are to hope for it, to live for it, and to wait for it. Our identity is in Christ. Most people have a view of life shaped by their conclusions:

• past experiences
• present situation
• future prospects 
• personal identity 
• view of God and what he is doing 

A biblical response requires a correct view of God and emphasizes finding hope and strength in faith during suffering. A God who is too tiny incites feelings of fear or anxiousness when we experience suffering. In contrast, an omnipotent God is able and powerful to do anything he wills without any effort on his part (Ps 24:8). Nothing is too hard for him to accomplish (Gen 18:14; Jer 32:17).

Martin Luther said, “when non-Christians run into affliction and suffering, they have nothing to comfort them, for they do not have the mighty promises and the confidence in God which Christians have. Therefore they cannot comfort themselves with the assurance that God will help them to bear the affliction, much less can they count on it that he will turn their affliction and suffering to good.” 

Do you view suffering biblically – in a way that includes the connection to eternity from your present reality? I may feel like I’m stranded and, at times, forgotten, but the truth is that God’s love for me is steadfast. Suffering is an opportunity in the hands of a sovereign and good God. 

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. – 2 Co 4:16–18.

You can receive this series, How to Sustain Hope in Pain and Suffering, by email. To do so, be sure you subscribe to my blog. The primary sources for this series are:

Suffering Wisely and Well by Eric Ortlund

Suffering by Paul Tripp

Knowing God by J.I. Packer