Of late and recent I have been in a unique season of ministry. As lead minister in a local church I have had to prayerfully and contemplatively give much thought to and counsel regarding the reality of suffering. I have had the honor and privilege of serving the church while she has been undergoing.....well, a veritable "season" of suffering in many ways. The loss of loved ones, physical maladies and relational betrayals are at the top of the list. The grace of God has been noticeably present thankfully and the church has remained steadfast in His grace. Nonetheless, the cumbersome task for anyone who is in the throws of grief, mourning and suffering is how to endure and persevere. It goes without saying that all the associated pressures and real experiences do not simply cease to exist.
That being said, how ought we as Christians who exercise faith/trust in our sovereign Father interact with such seemingly debilitating and smothering occasions. Well the vox dei, or voice of God as found in scripture provides us with the right prescription!!
The observation recorded in the book of Ecclesiastes is a good starting point I think. The sage wisdom of its author should ground us in a reality that is divinely governed. He remarks, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die...a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up, a time to weep and a time to laugh, and time to more and a time to dance" and so forth (Eccl.3:1-8) Although the prodigious observer is making general observations regarding the existential ebb and flow of human existence it nonetheless reflects truth that God chose to be revealed then; and thus embraced now. One kernel of truth we find in the assertion of "times" and "seasons" is that though humanity is inundated with a broad array of empirical experience throughout, God is nonetheless aware that our present life consists of those variegated periods of varying existence and experience; the likes of which are polar existential opposites.
Our heavenly Father is acutely aware of what season we may find ourselves in and relays to us through this biblical book that these seasons by definition have a beginning and an end. Seasons are periods of transition and change - that are in a very real sense necessary for sustaining life. Sin has surely altered the experience of human existence but not so much so that it has altered the quality and character of God's. He still sovereignly exercises superintendence over every season.....just ask Joseph after his brothers betrayed him. His "season" of suffering served to establish a "season" of proliferation and redemption!! It must always be borne in mind that "not even a sparrow falls to the ground apart from Father God (Matt.10:29-31) and that He "sends rain on the just and the unjust"(Matt.5:45).
Secondly, it would seem that Paul's outlook on suffering is especially instructional for us whenever we find ourselves in a season of suffering, grief or breaking down. Paul didn't have a nihilistic view of suffering by any stretch of the imagination. Nor did he exist in a state of denial regarding his suffering. (I Cor.2:3, II Cor.11:16-10, Eph.3:13) He wrote the Philippians, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain...My desire is to depart and to be with Christ for that is far better" (Phil.1:21,23). He penned that epistle while under Roman imprisonment as he was awaiting a hearing before the caesar, who was then Nero.
What is important to note though is that his attention was not in escapism but in how his suffering could be redeemed. He was more conscientious of how his suffering could serve the purposes of God and minister to the church as he pens, "But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith...(Phil.1:24-25).
Instead, of being consumed with his well being and instead of withdrawing from serving the church Paul looks to how his suffering can be redeemed for God's glory and how it can be utilized for the benefit of Christ's church.(Ephesians 3:13) [Parenthetically, I am reminded of Jonathon Edwards who buried approx. 10 of his children who died due to illness and disease yet remained unabatedly vigorous in gospel ministry.]
Other than succumbing to discontent and disenfranchisement because of his less than ideal circumstances Paul interpreted those accidents of history or circumstances of life as a means for God's providential activity through his personal role and ministry. It is easy to forget that God sovereignly and providentially used the sufferings of Christ for His glory and purposes. Christ's sufferings of course were essential in our redemption. Suffering and tragedy in this life, albeit difficult, are "seasons" of life that God formatively and redemptively uses. Our sufferings hear and now God redeems for His glory and our good.
As Keith Mathison opines, "Giving in to despair and cynicism is the easy way out when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances. On the otherhand, casting our cares on God, refusing to worry, and doing what we need to do with faith, hope and joy is difficult. We must trust God in such circumstances...We must trust that He loves us and that whatever circumstances He brings our way are for a reason"
The aforementioned I think reinforces the words of Christ....."therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life" (Matt.5), for, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (II Cor.12:9). This bestowal of grace is given by, through and in Christ, who suffered in an immeasurable way. Who better to bestow grace upon those who are suffering than he who suffered most and is thereby able "to sympathize with our weaknesses" (Heb.4:14-16).
As Isaac Watts penned,
"The agonies of Christ:
Now let our pains be all forgot,
Our hearts no more repine;
Our sufferings are not worth a thought,
When, Lord, compared with thine"
Credo ut Intelligam
