In preparation for our last study from Humility: True Greatness on humbly responding to trials, I asked the ladies to write out their theology of suffering. Since suffering is inevitable in this life, C. J. Mahaney encourages Christians to develop a divine perspective in advance, so that we're sustained throughout the experience of it. "Because the crucial unanswered question is not whether we will suffer, but how we'll respond when we suffer." (p. 138)
In the midst of suffering, I attempt to focus on the truths I know from Scripture about God's character. I remind myself that He is the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, and that He is altogether holy, righteous, wise, and loving. Romans 8:28 is a comforting reminder that "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." So as I walk by faith through times of suffering, I have the confidence that my loving Heavenly Father is in control of the situation. His plan for my life will not be thwarted.
I must also speak the message of the gospel to myself...that I was born spiritually dead in my trespasses and sins, and I deserve God's wrath on my soul. Suffering in this life is a reminder that the eternal consequence of sin against a holy and just God is unimaginable suffering in hell. No matter how much I may endure in this life, it will always be less than what I deserve for my sins. But God saw fit to save me from my sins by His grace through faith alone in the shedding of the precious blood of Christ. My suffering points me to the cross, where the sinless Son of God (the only One who never deserved to suffer) willingly endured the wrath of God on my behalf. Suffering exists so that Christ's saving work will receive its greatest glory.
"Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:25-26
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