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TAKING PLEASURE IN SUFFERINGS “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (II Cor. 12:10) That’s where we’re supposed to be spiritually, at the place where we “take pleasure” in suffering because of the spiritual benefit that comes with it. I don’t profess to live there most of the time, but I confess that I should. There are times when I am much closer to that place of rest and contentment than at other times, and I know what helps me to get there, so I want to pass some of that help on to you. Here are some helpful truths to meditate on when going through tough times. The first few points are a little tough, but stick with me and I think you'll get some help . . . I. I’M NOT ENTITLED TO KNOW WHY That’s a hard truth, but it is truth. As someone has so rightly said, “It’s not what happens to you; it’s what you do with it.” I’ll never have peace if I focus on “WHY is this happening to me?” God’s position is, “That’s for me to know and for you to trust.” It’s called “the trial of your faith” in I Peter 1:7, and it can make you more precious than gold, if you don’t mess it up. There’s great peace and joy in that, if I can just get there are stay there, trusting God in things that I just don’t understand. I don’t have to know why, and I’m not entitled to know why. My job is to TRUST. II. I CAN’T WIN AGAINST GOD Isaiah 45:9 says, “Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! . . .” I can’t win against God, so why even try? Any negative attitude against God will always do me more harm than good, and life is challenging enough already! If I’m wise, I’ll just give up and let God have his way. Pretending that there’s something to gain by being bitter towards God is just a lie from the devil. We always LOSE when we oppose God. Our best attitude toward God is the attitude that Jesus had when he prayed, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42) III. I CAN’T ESCAPE THIS This is reality. This is not some crazy dream when you finally wake up and it’s not real. No, it’s real. It’s really happening, it’s happening to me, and I must figure out how to deal with it in such a way that God is pleased, others are inspired, and I don’t lose faith. I cannot play the victim, as that only gives glory to the devil. God’s word says that I am a victor in II Corinthians 2:14, so I must rise to the challenge and stop looking for an escape. Others have had their turn at affliction, but now it’s my turn. This is real, I cannot escape, and I must find a way to shine for the glory of God. That kind of thinking can get you over a hard hurdle so you can move on and deal with the issue responsibly. IV. I’M NOT MY OWN I Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” We grow frustrated, discouraged and bitter because we forget that and then start thinking about MY life, MY plans, MY career, MY future, and MY will, but the truth is that I HAVE NO LIFE, and if I think I do, then it’s only because I stole it back from God after he plainly said that, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Gal. 2:20) I am not my own; I belong to God. If I remember that, then tough times are far more manageable. It’s not about me. It’s about God and what he wants to do THROUGH me. V. I’M THANKFUL FOR THE GOOD TIMES Even if the worst has come and I’m about to go home to my reward, at least I have a reward! At least God gave me the sense to become a believer early in life and that I now have many years of faithful service to my credit. Thank God that I was born in the greatest nation on the planet and that I had the opportunity and privilege to live freely and serve God and my fellow man according to the dictates of my own conscience. Thank God that I spent those years wisely and unselfishly so that I won’t stand ashamed at the Judgment Seat of Christ. A great many people cannot say that, so if you can say it, thank God for it! If you can’t say it honestly, then make the necessary changes right now so that you can say it from here on out. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (I Ths. 5:18) VI. THANK GOD, I DIDN’T BRING THIS ON MYSELF Take some comfort in that! This thing isn’t happening because of any sin or foolishness on my part. Oftentimes people suffer by simply reaping what they’ve sown (Gal. 6:7-8), but if that’s not the case, then rejoice in the fact that for some other reason God has allowed this thing to come your way and not because of your own fault or sin. That won’t fix everything, but it will help a little. VII. OTHERS HAVE ENDURED, AND SO CAN I Maybe that won’t do much for you, but it has helped me a great deal. I’ve seen even unsaved people go through greater trouble than I have ever faced, yet they often maintained a good attitude, kept a smile on their faces and got through it. Well, if they can do it, then I can do it, and I do have a very special promise in I Corinthians 10:13: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but 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.” You might not escape the circumstance, but you can get spiritual victory and escape the temptation aspect of it. You still bear the burden, but you get victory over the temptation. Others have done it, and so can you. VIII. THIS WILL HELP ME TO LEARN CONTENTMENT Paul said in Philippians 4:11, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” He said that he had learned that. That means there was a time when he was less content. He was in need of some spiritual growth, so God taught him contentment. Having nicer things and more pleasant circumstances is great, but it’s not required. We can be content with much less than what we currently have, and sometimes God wants to teach us that. I should be thankful that he wants to teach me. He could just ignore me and let me waste my life. IX. I’M SHARING IN CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS I Peter 2:21 says, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” If I’m going to follow Jesus, then I’m going to have my share of suffering. Not just in the form of persecution and revilement, but also in the standard hardships that come with a cross-bearing life of self-denial. This has been the honorable heritage of God’s people for thousands of years (just read Hebrews 11), so I should feel honored that God permits me to share in such a sacred service. I’m in good company, and I must glorify God. This is what Paul spoke of in II Corinthians 12:9-10 when he went to God to have that thorn in the flesh removed that God refused to remove. Paul said, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” Are you going though hardship? So did Paul, so did Jesus, and so did millions of other saints. You’re in good company, and it’s a true honor, especially when you didn’t bring it on yourself with foolish conduct and you are enduring with a righteous attitude that pleases God. X. I’M BEING TRAINED TO HELP OTHERS II Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” Do you see the “that”? It says that the very purpose for some of our suffering is so God can comfort us so THAT we can learn to comfort others. As Franklin said, “Experience keeps a dear school.” There’s always something to learn in anything, and especially in suffering and trouble. If I sit up and pay attention, I’ll be better for it, and God will use me to help others on down the road. It’s all a part of his kingdom, and I must do my part. XI. THIS CAN MAKE ME MORE FRUITFUL Jesus said in John 15:2, “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” That purging involves some level of the cleaning or the pruning of unnecessary elements or parts so that that which is necessary can enjoy healthier growth and be more fruitful. Cutting and purging certain things out of your life can often amount to suffering, but God knows what he’s doing. He’s making you more fruitful. XII. HEAVEN IS GROWING MORE GLORIOUS “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (II Corinthians 4:17) “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Rom. 8:17-18) I Corinthians 2:9 says, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” And finally, Revelation 21:4: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Folks, that day is coming, and we’re all going to be glad that we endured affliction like mature and seasoned soldiers of God. The more we endure in this life the greater the reward will be in the next life. I can look at hardship as an investment in eternity, or as Jesus said, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mat. 6:20-21) The devil doesn’t get to win. His days are numbered, and his defeat is certain. We have a happy ending, and we can make it happier with a proper attitude in regards to any present afflictions that come our way.