When the Lord delivered him from the dregs of his depravity, swift was the communication that Paul would suffer much for the sake of Christ’s name (Acts 9:1-16). Just a few ticks of the clock and he found himself facing death for proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God (9:19b-24). Paul was no stranger to suffering, to trial, to danger. In reality, his resumé of affliction is something that no Indiana Jones movie could ever conjure up for the silver screen (see 2 Cor 11:16-33).
Yet far from science-fiction, the afflictions of Paul occurred non-fictionally and were recorded for the believer’s eternal good. In touring the New Testament and specifically searching for Paul’s mindset regarding suffering, I have a growing amazement for Paul’s Spirit-driven skill (and resolve) of redeeming affliction. Not only did Paul endure hardship, but he joyfully embraced it and derived contentment from each encounter (Rom 5:3; 2 For 12:10). We may never identically experience Paul’s tribulations, but his trail of suffering for Christ’s sake provides many lessons we would do well to consider and apply in light of our own grappling with tribulation. Consider these brief offerings (prompts for further thought, if you will—perhaps helpful reminders to some) from 2 Corinthians 1:3-11:
Lesson One
To be afflicted is an occasion to be comforted by the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.
v3-4a - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction
Lesson Two
To be afflicted is to be granted an opportunity to mature in comforting others.
v4b - so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Lesson Three
The intensity of affliction is always matched by the intensity of God’s comfort.
v5 - For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.
Lesson Four
To be afflicted can serve to bolster identity and community in Christ.
vv6-7 - If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
Lesson Five
Affliction is used by God to refine patience, waiting on the Lord’s plan to unfold.
v6b - which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.
Lesson Six
Enduring affliction invites honesty, not dismissal of the experience.
vv8-9a - For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death.
Lesson Seven
Enduring affliction may serve as a means for other disciples to gain perspective about suffering for Christ’s sake.
v8 - For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia.
Lesson Eight
The gift of affliction may be a means of protection against self-reliance.
v9b - But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
Lesson Nine
Enduring affliction may be the gift of experiencing God’s mighty deliverance and bolstering of confidence for future suffering.
v10a - He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.
Lesson Ten
The strength to endure affliction flows through the conduit of God’s people praying for God’s people.
v11 - You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.
These ten points of consideration admittedly traverse the outskirts of Paul’s mindset regarding suffering, but perhaps they are just the thoughts we need to navigate a very real, a very present hardship. As I scroll through the church directory, I find that the family of Providence is no stranger to suffering. From physical maladies to strained relationships to exerting the Lord’s energy to stand against the enemy’s tormenting schemes, suffering is a common thread. As one of the pastors, it is encouraging to know that such suffering is coupled with gospel defense and proclamation. In other words, there is Kingdom purpose to our suffering. There is substance to it. There is a welcoming of pain if it means that Christ is made much of. May Providence never be marked by empty suffering, but only that which reflects the depths of God’s wisdom and embraces the joy of aligning ourselves with the sufferings of Christ.
As you are suffering well, dear friends, continue to do so more and more. Stand firm in the love of Christ and pray with confidence. The day of faith turning to sight is closer now than ever before.
Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near
Original words: John Fawcett (1782),
additional words: Constance Dever.
Afflicted saint, to Christ draw near,
Your Savior’s gracious promise hear;
His faithful Word you can believe:
That as your days your strength shall be.
Your faith is weak, your foes are strong,
And if the conflict should be long,
The Lord will make the tempter flee
That as your days your strength shall be.
So, sing with joy, afflicted one;
The battle’s fierce, but the victory’s won!
God shall supply all that you need;
Yes, as your days your strength shall be.
Should persecution rage and flame,
Still trust in your Redeemer’s name.
In fiery trials you shall see
That as your days your strength shall be.
When called to bear your weighty cross
Or sore affliction, pain, or loss,
Or deep distress or poverty,
Still as your days your strength shall be.
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