Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the One who does all things well. What a privilege and blessing it is to be able to put our complete trust in such a God! Following is the next section in my study on praying during suffering.
Category Seven - Filters
In the midst of suffering, our entire existence seems to be
centered around the trial. It consumes our thoughts. Our thoughts can be easily
influenced by our emotions. Our jumbled thinking is complicated by the advice
and input of others, which unfortunately are not always all that Biblical. This
particular category deals with mental filters - Biblical thoughts that provide
perspective and focus.
Filter #1: My situation is not different or harder than what others have endured. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you” (I Peter 4:12). “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man” (I Corinthians 10:13). “Knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (I Peter 5:9b). We should neither think, “I can’t believe this happened to me” (“Why do these things keep happening to me?”) nor “I’m suffering more than anyone else I know” (“I’m suffering while no one else is”). “Father, help me to remember that suffering is a normal part of life and that You have delivered many others from similar situations.”
Filter #2: As a Christian, my response should be different. “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings” (II Corinthians 6:4-5). Paul had numerous opportunities to respond to suffering, and he wanted his response to be appropriate for a servant of God.
That godly response is not angry retaliation or attack. “Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: being defamed, we intreat” (I Corinthians 4:12b-13a). That godly response is not fear. “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled” (I Peter 3:14). That godly response is not despair. “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (II Corinthians 4:8-9).
A godly response is one of hope, knowing there is an answer. “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (I Corinthians 10:13). A godly response is one of patience, quietly enduring as our Savior did. “For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not” (I Peter 2:19-23). “Father, may I demonstrate that I am Your servant, as I respond not with anger, fear, or despair, but with hope and patience.”
Filter #3: My suffering links me to my Savior. “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church” (Colossians 1:24). “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (I Peter 4:13). Our Savior suffered, and we share in His mission and in His experience as we also suffer. Both Peter and Paul teach this, and both men mention rejoicing because of the shared suffering. Perhaps this is because it helps us toward the desired end, “That I may know him … and the fellowship of his sufferings” (Philippians 3:10). “Father, may I be content to suffer for Your sake and in order to develop a stronger connection with my Savior.”
Filter #4: God has divine purposes for my suffering. “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons. … but he [chastens] for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness” (Hebrews 12:7a&10b). “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4). There is always a reason for my suffering – a good reason and a divine reason. We must remember that suffering is not just something to get through, but rather a process that is bringing about definite results. “Father, help me to be confident and rejoice in the assurance that there is purposeful meaning in my suffering.”
Filter #5: I can trust God for how this turns out. In a specific scenario, Paul expressed his willingness to let God take care of the outcome. “Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works” (II Timothy 4:14). Jesus Himself had this same attitude and action, trusting His Father to do what was right. “But committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (I Peter 2:23). We don’t always know what the outcome will be, but we can trust God to help us exit and to take care of any ramifications. “God is faithful … will with the temptation also make a way to escape” (I Corinthians 10:13). “Father, help me to fully trust You to bring this difficult situation to the exact solution that You have determined and to properly tie up every loose end.”
God bless you as you serve Him this week.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
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