There is a trap into which we are subject to falling upon every setback or trial and that is the trap of Satan to make us think that we have done something or missed something that has caused God to let us have it. Often, we utter the words, if not audibly at least in our thoughts, “what did I do to deserve this?” Of course, the truth of the matter is every one of us deserves much greater discomfort than has ever been experienced, namely the fires of the second death. Therefore, anything we get short of that is by God’s grace.
Nevertheless, we must recognize that all suffering and setbacks are due to sin, the original sin that brought sin and the curse thereof into the world. Even as all of creation groans in the bondage of corruption, so the curse of sin in the world brings about deformity, disease and discord. Even so, we must recognize that as sinners who inherited Adam’s sin and who practice rebellion against God, we are deserving of His wrath, so anything less than the eternal fire is by God’s mercy.
Romans 8:20–22 (ESV) — 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.
Romans 3:10–12 (ESV) — 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”
Ephesians 2:1–5 (ESV) — 1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
Instead of living a superstitious life of thinking our works or lack thereof are the cause behind our suffering, we should consider that God has a purpose for everything in life. Consider how Jesus used the occasion of a man who was born blind to teach his disciples.
John 9:1–3 (ESV) — 1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.
In this case, Jesus is teaching His disciples not to think of suffering as a result of personal sin, as in the man or his parents, rather as occasion to recognize the works of God. The work of God was seen as Jesus healed the man, in another situation He promised grace to the apostle Paul so that he would recognize the power of Christ in his weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (ESV) — 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Just as in the case of the man who was born blind that Jesus healed, so it is in the case of God providing grace amid affliction; people fail to recognize the mighty work of God. Consider these:
His mighty work in saving us from our sins.
Colossians 1:11–14 (ESV) — 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
His plan for us so that all things work together for our good.
Romans 8:28–29 (ESV) — 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
His strength is made perfect in our weakness. (See 2Corinthins 12 above) and His promise that He will never leave us, even though we find ourselves in the mist of trials.
Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) — 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Isaiah 43:1–2 (ESV) — 1 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Instead of focusing on a superstitious notion during suffering which will provide no comfort only more self-affliction, it would be better to focus on the works of God, Who has a plan for your life, including the suffering you are experiencing and with that plan He provides grace, comfort, and strength. Praise be to Him as you recognize His mighty work.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
Clearwater, FL
