Embracing God’s Purpose in Our Suffering: Finding Greater Good
Introduction
Good morning. Today, we will address a question that many of us have asked during our most difficult times: "Why, God? Why do you let them get away with it? Why are you letting me suffer?" These are honest, heartfelt questions that arise from our pain and confusion. Through the lens of Scripture, we will explore the purpose of suffering and how it leads to greater good in our lives, guided by God's sovereign plan.
The Struggle with Suffering
It is natural to question why we face hardships and why our enemies seem to prevail at times. The Psalms are filled with cries to God, asking similar questions.
Scripture Reference: "How long, Lord, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant?" (Psalm 94:3)
Key Point: The struggle with suffering is not new. Throughout history, God's people have wrestled with understanding His purposes in their trials.
Jesus’ Example of Suffering
One of the most profound examples of suffering in the Bible is Jesus Christ. When Peter tried to defend Him by cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant, Jesus responded in a way that reveals much about God's purpose in suffering.
Scripture Reference: "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" (Matthew 26:52-54)
Explanation: Jesus could have avoided His suffering, but He chose to endure it because it was part of God's plan for the salvation of humanity. His suffering had a greater purpose.
Suffering Assigned by God
Jesus understood that His suffering was assigned by God to fulfill a greater purpose. He knew that avoiding it would mean missing the point of His mission.
Scripture Reference: "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42)
Key Point: Jesus' willingness to accept suffering teaches us that our trials are not without purpose. They are part of God's divine plan to bring about greater good in our lives and the world.
The Purpose of Suffering
God uses suffering to refine us, to draw us closer to Him, and to accomplish His greater purposes. Paul understood this well and wrote about it in his letters.
Scripture Reference: "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4)
Explanation: Our suffering produces qualities in us that are essential for our spiritual growth. It teaches us perseverance, shapes our character, and strengthens our hope in God.
Trusting God’s Plan
When we are in the midst of suffering, it is difficult to see the bigger picture. However, we are called to trust in God's plan and His timing.
Scripture Reference: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Key Point: God is always at work, even in our suffering. He is weaving everything together for our good and His glory, even when we cannot see it.
Lessons for Today
1. Embrace the Process: Understand that suffering is part of God’s refining process. It is through trials that we are shaped and strengthened.
Scripture Reference: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3)
2. Seek God’s Presence: In our suffering, we should draw closer to God, seeking His presence and comfort. He is our refuge and strength.
Scripture Reference: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
3. Look for the Greater Good: Trust that God has a purpose for your suffering, even if you cannot see it now. He is using it to bring about greater good.
Scripture Reference: "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." (2 Corinthians 4:17)
Conclusion
Suffering is a difficult and often painful part of our journey, but it is not without purpose. Just as Jesus embraced His suffering to fulfill God’s plan for salvation, we too must trust that our suffering is part of God’s greater plan for our lives. Let us embrace the refining process, seek God’s presence, and trust in His sovereign plan, knowing that He is using our trials to bring about greater good.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your presence in our lives, even in the midst of suffering. Help us to trust in Your plan and to see the greater good that You are working through our trials. Strengthen our faith and draw us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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