“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
Hebrews 6:11-12 says, “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”
Often I think of being patient as waiting for God act. However, the word used here, Strongs #3116, makrothumia, translates as long-suffering. Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary notes that long-suffering is the opposite of anger. It is a quality that is associated with mercy, as one does not retaliate, or punish, but exercises self restraint in the face of provocation.[1]
Makrothumia is a characteristic of God. In 1 Peter 3:20 it said that God waited patiently [makrothumia] in the days of Noah wile the ark was being built. According to Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, as it relates to God, long-suffering is associated with his patient endurance of the wickedness of the sinful. It's purpose is to lead people to repentance. It is synonymous with forbearance. [2]
Some examples are:
An example of God expressing makrothumia is in 2 Peter 3:9-12:
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?”
Eventually, those who do not accept Christ will perish. Therefore, we suffer hardship as a good soldier of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3) in hopes that others may come to know Him, desiring that none would perish.
2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 says,
"All this [the severe persecutions and trials the church of the Thessalonians were suffering] is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you."
Exercising makrothumia bears fruit for the kingdom of God. James 5:7-8 tells us,
Be patient [makrothumia], then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient [makrothumia] he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient [makrothumia] and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
James goes on to give us examples of how to exercise patience. James 5:9-11 says, “Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers, as an example of patience [makrothumia] in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered [hupomeno]. You have heard of Job’s perseverance [hupomone] and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
Both the prophets and Job persevered under affliction. Even though they may have felt like quitting or dying, they kept on.
As the song playing a little earlier tonight in my car said, “Don't give up, and don't give in, if you don't quit, you win.... let patience possess your soul.”
Jesus is an example for us in exercising patience. He gave us an example of how we are to go about suffering.
1 Peter 2:21-24 says,
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you and example, that you should follow in his steps. 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.' When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 'He Himself bore our sins' in his body, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.”
Jesus willingly entered into suffering for the benefit of others. In Luke 9:51 it says, "When the days drew near for him to be received up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem." And when Judas arrived to have Him arrested, he told Judas, “Friend, do what you came for.” (Matthew 26:50).
We are to enter into suffering for the benefit of others just as Jesus did. 1 Peter 2:19-20 says, “For it is commendable if you bear up under the pain of unjust suffering because you are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffering for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. “
Jesus did not grumble or complain, instead, He entrusted himself to Him who judges justly.
Jesus demonstrated patient endurance under affliction. Hebrews 12:1-3 says,
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured [hupomeno] the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Perseverance under affliction is a form of patience. Patient endurance, Strongs #5278, hupomeno, means to abide under, be patient, and suffer, not receding or fleeing but persevering unto the end, bearing bravely ill treatments. [3]
James 1:12 says, "Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. "
A few examples are:
Some examples are:
There are many reasons one may suffer affliction or trials:
In suffering for the sin of others, in hopes that they may know Christ or grow in Christ, we are walking in Christ's footsteps and being most like Him. We are to remember that in this suffering we are blessed, as it works death in our body but makes us alive in our Spirit.
In 1 Peter 3:9-18 it says, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing... Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.' But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will to suffer for doing good than for dong evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous and for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.”
Suffering Persecution
We are not to be surprised when we suffer persecutions, but expect it. We rejoice as we share in suffering for Christ.
1 Peter 4:12-16 says,
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name."
Suffering at the Hands of the Enemy
We are to be aware that the enemy is looking for ways to destroy us and resist him, looking to God to make us strong and steadfast in Him.
1 Peter 5:8-10 says,
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your fellow believers, throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
The Great Tribulation
The greatest period of suffering that occurs on earth is the Great Tribulation. One online source notes that the word tribulation means great distress and misery. The Great Tribulation is a “time of great trouble and suffering which is prophesied to come upon the Earth before the Second Coming of Christ.” [5]
"For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." (Matt 24:21)
Rather than running from meeting to meeting, looking for a new word on His coming or seeking after signs and miracles (Mthw 24:23-26), we are to live holy and godly lives as we patiently wait and look forward to the day of God, longing and praying for its coming (2 Peter 3:11-12).
Suffering for Resisting Sin
We are to throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles us (Hebrews 12:1). As noted in this last week's sermon, we sometimes are sleeping as it relates to our own sin. We justify it or refuse to deal with it.
David prayed in Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
As we become aware of sin, as noted by my pastor in the sermon, we need to rid ourselves of it, not just live with it.
We are to take sinning against God seriously. 1 Peter 4:1-2 says, "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because those who have suffered in their bodies are done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for every human desires, but rather for the will of God."
And Hebrews 12:4-6 says, "In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as children? It says, 'My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and chastens everyone he accepts as his child."
We are to endure hardship as discipline (Hebrews 12:7) and as His children, we put on the full armor of God, using the sword of the Spirit and standing firm in the truth.
Counting it All Joy
No matter the reason for suffering, we are to count it all joy when we encounter various trials knowing that as our faith is tried, it produces greater patience within us (James 1:2) making us more like Christ.
Romans 8:18 says, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
And Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:17, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
And in 1 Peter 1:6-7 it says, “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith -of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire -may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
Going back to / continuing on with my writing last week, faith and patience are not meant to be a white knuckle, teeth gritting, endurance through trials and difficulties while we await the return of Jesus and the fulfillment of all things. Paul prays for the church in Colossians 1:11-12, “We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul- not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory strength God gives. It is the strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful He has for us!”
It is not the trials themselves that will bring us joy. However, we are to have joy in spite of our afflictions. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “For the joy of the Lord is your strength." It is the joy the the Lord that produces in us the strength we need to endure the unendurable during suffering, affliction and tribulation.
Paul, while in prison, says in Philippians 4:12-13 that he learned the secret to being content in whatever the circumstances, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” As we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, counting on his sufficiency to endure tribulations, and His spiritual equipping to stand against the enemy, we are strengthened by His power and might.
David says in Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Psalm 46 says,
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
It is as our eyes are on Him that He sustains us with His rivers of joy through tribulations. 1 Peter 1:8-9 says, “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Entering In by Praise and Thanksgiving
What helps us to fix our eyes upon Jesus in the midst of our difficulties is praise and thanksgiving for who He is and all He has done. We center our focus onto Him, entering into His presence easily, when our hearts are full of thanksgiving and praise. Psalm 100:4 says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
Paul wrote when he was in prison, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is ture, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -think about such things." (Philippians 4:4-8)
And 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I have a set of index cards that I have recorded all the times that God has spoke something significant to me, came through for me, moved mountains for me, delivered me, and healed me. When I am going through difficulties and struggling with connecting with God, I go through my index cards and remind myself of how much He loves me and how much He has done for me. As I read them, my heart begins to cry Dayenu! It would have been sufficient! I can't help but become thankful for all He has done for me and begin praising Him.
His Sufficiency to Sustain Us in Our Trials
One of my pastors once noted not to believe the old saying, “God will never give you more than you can handle.” As he noted, “He will give you more than you can handle.” God will give you more than you can handle in your own strength, which causes us to lean into His strength and sufficiency. What God will not do, is to not put you in over your head without the ability in Him to come through the other side.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary notes, "As our trials increase, we need to grow stronger in that which is good; our faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our love to God and Christ stronger. This is opposed to our being strong in our own strength."
God promises that he will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5; Duet. 31:6). And in Isaiah 43:2 He says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Over and over, God has placed people in overwhelming circumstances. Daniel was placed in a lion's den with hungry lions because of his faithfulness to God. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown in a fiery furnace for their refusal to bow down to an idol. David, by choice, fought a giant to defend God's honor. In each case, as they exercised faith and patience, they saw God come through in powerful ways.
David, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were all preparing for years prior to their great trial. They were consistent in seeking after God day by day. They practiced being faithful in all things so they were prepared and equipped to stand against the enemy when they experienced a great difficulty.
As an example, my previous pastor, who sought the Lord day after day for many years, even though she went home early, had a sense of strength about her. Even on her deathbed, as people came in to see her and say their goodbyes, she was strengthening them, comforting them and encouraging them. She talked to every nurse that served her about their relationship with God. She was disappointed to be going home early, but she had complete confidence in where she was going.
On the other hand, my father came to know the Lord three days before he went to be with Him. It was the last conscience decision he made. Even though he accepted Christ as His Savior, as I looked into his eyes, there was fear about dying. Since He did not establish a relationship with Christ while he was on earth, he had no real basis to know what to expect when he died.
Ephesians 6:10-17 says, “...Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
The armour of God is to be put on ahead of time (so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground). If we only seek God's help when we experience a difficulty and do not daily equip ourselves, putting on the full armour of God in our secret place, we will not be able to stand on the day of evil.
Lord, thank you that in all we go through, you walk with us. Help us to stand "strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" as we encounter various trials and difficulties. Would you help us to fix our eyes on You and be faithful Fill us with joy in the midst of trials. Be gracious to us. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress (Is. 33:2)
1. Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W. Vine's complete expository dictionary of Old and New Testament words. Nashville: T. Nelson. Nashville, TN. 1996.
2.Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson.
3. -4. Strong, J. (1996). The exhaustive concordance of the Bible : Showing every word of the text of the common English version of the canonical books, and every occurrence of each word in regular order. (electronic ed.) (G5281). Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship.
5. BibleStudy.org. Definition of Christian Terms: Tribulation, Great Tribulation. Located at: http://www.biblestudy.org/beginner/definition-of-christian-terms/tribulation.html Last Accessed: 8/17/10
Often I think of being patient as waiting for God act. However, the word used here, Strongs #3116, makrothumia, translates as long-suffering. Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary notes that long-suffering is the opposite of anger. It is a quality that is associated with mercy, as one does not retaliate, or punish, but exercises self restraint in the face of provocation.[1]
Makrothumia is a characteristic of God. In 1 Peter 3:20 it said that God waited patiently [makrothumia] in the days of Noah wile the ark was being built. According to Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, as it relates to God, long-suffering is associated with his patient endurance of the wickedness of the sinful. It's purpose is to lead people to repentance. It is synonymous with forbearance. [2]
Some examples are:
Romans 2:4,Makrothumia is also a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). And it is a characteristic of love (1 Cor. 13:4). Having makrothumia makes us more Christlike. As we share God's heart that those who do not believe would come to know Christ, being willing to suffer their wrongs in hopes that they may repent and open their heart to Him, we become more like Christ.
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance [Strongs #462, anoche, delay of punishment] and patience [makrothumia], not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance.
1 Timothy 1:15-16,
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners- of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience [makrothumia] as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
An example of God expressing makrothumia is in 2 Peter 3:9-12:
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?”
Eventually, those who do not accept Christ will perish. Therefore, we suffer hardship as a good soldier of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3) in hopes that others may come to know Him, desiring that none would perish.
2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 says,
"All this [the severe persecutions and trials the church of the Thessalonians were suffering] is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you."
Exercising makrothumia bears fruit for the kingdom of God. James 5:7-8 tells us,
Be patient [makrothumia], then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient [makrothumia] he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient [makrothumia] and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
James goes on to give us examples of how to exercise patience. James 5:9-11 says, “Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers, as an example of patience [makrothumia] in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered [hupomeno]. You have heard of Job’s perseverance [hupomone] and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
Both the prophets and Job persevered under affliction. Even though they may have felt like quitting or dying, they kept on.
As the song playing a little earlier tonight in my car said, “Don't give up, and don't give in, if you don't quit, you win.... let patience possess your soul.”
Jesus is an example for us in exercising patience. He gave us an example of how we are to go about suffering.
1 Peter 2:21-24 says,
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you and example, that you should follow in his steps. 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.' When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 'He Himself bore our sins' in his body, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.”
Jesus willingly entered into suffering for the benefit of others. In Luke 9:51 it says, "When the days drew near for him to be received up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem." And when Judas arrived to have Him arrested, he told Judas, “Friend, do what you came for.” (Matthew 26:50).
We are to enter into suffering for the benefit of others just as Jesus did. 1 Peter 2:19-20 says, “For it is commendable if you bear up under the pain of unjust suffering because you are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffering for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. “
Jesus did not grumble or complain, instead, He entrusted himself to Him who judges justly.
Jesus demonstrated patient endurance under affliction. Hebrews 12:1-3 says,
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured [hupomeno] the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Perseverance under affliction is a form of patience. Patient endurance, Strongs #5278, hupomeno, means to abide under, be patient, and suffer, not receding or fleeing but persevering unto the end, bearing bravely ill treatments. [3]
James 1:12 says, "Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. "
A few examples are:
James 1:12Another form of patience, synonymous with hupomeno is hupomone, Strongs #5281. It means being patient, waiting for God to act. The Enhanced Strong's Lexicon notes about hupomone, “Patience is the quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial; it is the opposite of despondency and is associated with hope.” It consists of being steadfast, consistent and enduring. In the New Testament, it is “the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings.” [4]
Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.
1 Peter 2:20,
For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
Some examples are:
1 Thessalonians 1:3,Reasons for Suffering
“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.”
Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
There are many reasons one may suffer affliction or trials:
- Suffering other's sin, either so they may know Christ, or in the case of believers, so they may grow in Christ. (James 5:7-8)
- Suffering persecution as a result of speaking the truth of God and/or calling people to repent. (James 5:9)
- Suffering at the hands of the enemy. (James 5:10; 1 Peter 5:8-9)
- Misfortune (John 16:33)
- Distress (Jer. 16:19)
- Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21)
- Resisting Temptation (Hebrews 12:4)
- Consequences for Sin (James 4:1-6)
- Resistance for doing what is right (1 Peter 3:8-18)
In suffering for the sin of others, in hopes that they may know Christ or grow in Christ, we are walking in Christ's footsteps and being most like Him. We are to remember that in this suffering we are blessed, as it works death in our body but makes us alive in our Spirit.
In 1 Peter 3:9-18 it says, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing... Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.' But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will to suffer for doing good than for dong evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous and for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.”
Suffering Persecution
We are not to be surprised when we suffer persecutions, but expect it. We rejoice as we share in suffering for Christ.
1 Peter 4:12-16 says,
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name."
Suffering at the Hands of the Enemy
We are to be aware that the enemy is looking for ways to destroy us and resist him, looking to God to make us strong and steadfast in Him.
1 Peter 5:8-10 says,
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your fellow believers, throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
The Great Tribulation
The greatest period of suffering that occurs on earth is the Great Tribulation. One online source notes that the word tribulation means great distress and misery. The Great Tribulation is a “time of great trouble and suffering which is prophesied to come upon the Earth before the Second Coming of Christ.” [5]
"For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." (Matt 24:21)
Rather than running from meeting to meeting, looking for a new word on His coming or seeking after signs and miracles (Mthw 24:23-26), we are to live holy and godly lives as we patiently wait and look forward to the day of God, longing and praying for its coming (2 Peter 3:11-12).
Suffering for Resisting Sin
We are to throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles us (Hebrews 12:1). As noted in this last week's sermon, we sometimes are sleeping as it relates to our own sin. We justify it or refuse to deal with it.
David prayed in Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
As we become aware of sin, as noted by my pastor in the sermon, we need to rid ourselves of it, not just live with it.
We are to take sinning against God seriously. 1 Peter 4:1-2 says, "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because those who have suffered in their bodies are done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for every human desires, but rather for the will of God."
And Hebrews 12:4-6 says, "In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as children? It says, 'My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and chastens everyone he accepts as his child."
We are to endure hardship as discipline (Hebrews 12:7) and as His children, we put on the full armor of God, using the sword of the Spirit and standing firm in the truth.
Counting it All Joy
No matter the reason for suffering, we are to count it all joy when we encounter various trials knowing that as our faith is tried, it produces greater patience within us (James 1:2) making us more like Christ.
Romans 8:18 says, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
And Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:17, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
And in 1 Peter 1:6-7 it says, “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith -of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire -may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
Going back to / continuing on with my writing last week, faith and patience are not meant to be a white knuckle, teeth gritting, endurance through trials and difficulties while we await the return of Jesus and the fulfillment of all things. Paul prays for the church in Colossians 1:11-12, “We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul- not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory strength God gives. It is the strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful He has for us!”
It is not the trials themselves that will bring us joy. However, we are to have joy in spite of our afflictions. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “For the joy of the Lord is your strength." It is the joy the the Lord that produces in us the strength we need to endure the unendurable during suffering, affliction and tribulation.
Paul, while in prison, says in Philippians 4:12-13 that he learned the secret to being content in whatever the circumstances, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” As we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, counting on his sufficiency to endure tribulations, and His spiritual equipping to stand against the enemy, we are strengthened by His power and might.
David says in Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Psalm 46 says,
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
It is as our eyes are on Him that He sustains us with His rivers of joy through tribulations. 1 Peter 1:8-9 says, “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Entering In by Praise and Thanksgiving
What helps us to fix our eyes upon Jesus in the midst of our difficulties is praise and thanksgiving for who He is and all He has done. We center our focus onto Him, entering into His presence easily, when our hearts are full of thanksgiving and praise. Psalm 100:4 says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
Paul wrote when he was in prison, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is ture, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -think about such things." (Philippians 4:4-8)
And 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I have a set of index cards that I have recorded all the times that God has spoke something significant to me, came through for me, moved mountains for me, delivered me, and healed me. When I am going through difficulties and struggling with connecting with God, I go through my index cards and remind myself of how much He loves me and how much He has done for me. As I read them, my heart begins to cry Dayenu! It would have been sufficient! I can't help but become thankful for all He has done for me and begin praising Him.
His Sufficiency to Sustain Us in Our Trials
One of my pastors once noted not to believe the old saying, “God will never give you more than you can handle.” As he noted, “He will give you more than you can handle.” God will give you more than you can handle in your own strength, which causes us to lean into His strength and sufficiency. What God will not do, is to not put you in over your head without the ability in Him to come through the other side.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary notes, "As our trials increase, we need to grow stronger in that which is good; our faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our love to God and Christ stronger. This is opposed to our being strong in our own strength."
God promises that he will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5; Duet. 31:6). And in Isaiah 43:2 He says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Over and over, God has placed people in overwhelming circumstances. Daniel was placed in a lion's den with hungry lions because of his faithfulness to God. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown in a fiery furnace for their refusal to bow down to an idol. David, by choice, fought a giant to defend God's honor. In each case, as they exercised faith and patience, they saw God come through in powerful ways.
David, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were all preparing for years prior to their great trial. They were consistent in seeking after God day by day. They practiced being faithful in all things so they were prepared and equipped to stand against the enemy when they experienced a great difficulty.
As an example, my previous pastor, who sought the Lord day after day for many years, even though she went home early, had a sense of strength about her. Even on her deathbed, as people came in to see her and say their goodbyes, she was strengthening them, comforting them and encouraging them. She talked to every nurse that served her about their relationship with God. She was disappointed to be going home early, but she had complete confidence in where she was going.
On the other hand, my father came to know the Lord three days before he went to be with Him. It was the last conscience decision he made. Even though he accepted Christ as His Savior, as I looked into his eyes, there was fear about dying. Since He did not establish a relationship with Christ while he was on earth, he had no real basis to know what to expect when he died.
Ephesians 6:10-17 says, “...Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
The armour of God is to be put on ahead of time (so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground). If we only seek God's help when we experience a difficulty and do not daily equip ourselves, putting on the full armour of God in our secret place, we will not be able to stand on the day of evil.
Lord, thank you that in all we go through, you walk with us. Help us to stand "strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" as we encounter various trials and difficulties. Would you help us to fix our eyes on You and be faithful Fill us with joy in the midst of trials. Be gracious to us. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress (Is. 33:2)
1. Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W. Vine's complete expository dictionary of Old and New Testament words. Nashville: T. Nelson. Nashville, TN. 1996.
2.Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson.
3. -4. Strong, J. (1996). The exhaustive concordance of the Bible : Showing every word of the text of the common English version of the canonical books, and every occurrence of each word in regular order. (electronic ed.) (G5281). Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship.
5. BibleStudy.org. Definition of Christian Terms: Tribulation, Great Tribulation. Located at: http://www.biblestudy.org/beginner/definition-of-christian-terms/tribulation.html Last Accessed: 8/17/10
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