In the past couple of emails, we’ve been looking at the synagogue official, Jairus, and his request of Jesus to come and heal his 12 year old daughter. If you haven’t read these, you should probably read them first: His Test Jesus’ Answer. You also may want to read the entire story again.
But as we look at this story of Jairus being tested, and Jesus coming through for him, it just seems like we have to touch on the subject of suffering. Imagine Jairus hearing that his daughter was dead already, and having to depend on Jesus instead of looking at the reality of the situation. How did Jairus keep his faith in the face of such adversity?!
First, we have to realize that we will definitely have adversity, trouble, problems, difficulties, and hardship:
Job 5:7
7 For
man is born for trouble,
As
sparks fly upward.
Just in case you’re thinking this is only true in the Old Testament, look what Paul said:
2 Timothy 3:12
12 Indeed, all
who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
What are we to do in the face of trouble?
Psalms 50:15
15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I shall rescue you,
and you will honor Me."
Psalms 91:15
15 "He will call
upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him
in trouble;
I will rescue him and
honor him.
Now comes the hard part – not only are we supposed to call on Him, but:
1 Thessalonians 5:18
18 in everything
give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4
4 Rejoice in the Lord
always; again I will say, rejoice!
Make no mistake about it – everything means everything, and always means always. When we go through various trials and troubles, we are COMMANDED to rejoice and give thanks! How? By knowing what the Word of God promises us related to adversity, and by knowing the One who makes the promises! What did He promise us related to suffering?
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 Therefore we do
not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is
being renewed day by day.
17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an
eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,
18 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.
As you go through adversity, you must keep your eyes not on the things related to time in this world, but on the invisible benefits that are eternal. This eternal weight of glory can only be realized AFTER suffering!
1 Peter 1:6-7
6 In this you greatly
rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been
distressed by various trials,
7 so that the proof (DOKIMION in the Greek means genuineness) of your faith, being more precious than
gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in
praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
The various trials we go through are designed to result in praise, glory and honor when we stand before Jesus Christ. God allows problems in our life to make our faith grow stronger! Think about this: adversity forces you to pray, to trust in God, and to walk by faith.
Romans 5:3-5
3 And not only this,
but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation
brings about perseverance;
4 and perseverance,
proven character; and proven character, hope;
5 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.
That’s how you rejoice in suffering! Realize that all adversity is leading you down this path of perseverance, character, and true hope. It’s making you focus on your relationship with God, and trust in Him more. It’s making you realize that this problem is going to result in eternal glory in the future. This is an opportunity that you will have only during this life – since you cannot suffer in heaven!
Isn’t it easy to get away from God when things are going well in your life?! God will bring in problems to keep us dependent on Him. When He does, rejoice and give thanks that He cares enough about you to keep you close!