Getting Job-ed
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ESV
I’m writing this article knowing a few believers that are going through some really tough and difficult times right now. So, when you’re reading this, please know that I’m not writing this from the “world is fluffy with butterflies and rainbows” stance. I’m definitely not that naive, and the Christian shouldn’t be either. There’s real suffering and pain out there. However, a Christian has a different foundation that we’re building on. This is going to be a simple article, but sometimes those simple, rock-solid truths are the ones that can help the most in times of distress. Here are three truths Christians need to grow into believing while seeing times of trouble.
Also, before we get started, this comes from the stance that we have a completely Sovereign and Providential God that is meticulously caring for all details in the universe (see some of the first articles we wrote titled Who is God).
1. All things work together for the good of those that believe in Christ. Romans 8:28 ESV, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” All things. ALL THINGS work together for the good of Christians. Even chaos to car wrecks… ALL THINGS work together for good. We can’t see God’s big picture in front of us, but we trust Him at His word. Death isn’t even enough to shipwreck the Christian: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” Philippians 1:21 ESV. Those aren’t just verses to learn in Sunday school, these are words to strengthen us even when we’re facing death. Even if we die, we see our King, the One we’ve been waiting for… If the thought of death can’t even rock our worlds, then nothing else can. Build on this simple truth, it’s a great weapon to have in the arsenal to fight Satan with.
2. All things work to the Glory of God, and this is for our benefit also. Remember back to the story of Lazarus in John 11, Jesus states, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4 ESV). Someone could say, “man, Jesus sounds a little selfish here.” But look at the following verses: Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (vs. 5) and when He heard He was sick, He stayed two days longer where He was (vs. 6). Jesus allowed Lazarus to die in order for them to see the Glory of God in Jesus- and this was Jesus loving them. God getting the glory is actually for our benefit also. Read Isaiah 48:9-11 ESV,
“For my name’s sake I defer my anger;
for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you,
that I may not cut you off.
Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver;
I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.
For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it,
for how should my name be profaned?
My glory I will not give to another.
3. The Bible is one unified story that has always been moving towards one purpose and goal. From beginning to end, the Bible is one story, not disconnected stories put together. What was the mission given to mankind in Genesis 1:28 ESV? “…Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth…” Fill the earth with the Image of God. What’s the mission Jesus gives His disciples? “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” Matthew 28:19 ESV. What’s the mission given to the 1st century Church? “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” Acts 1:8 ESV. The mission is the same- we are making disciples that reflect the image of God throughout the world. All of this culminates to one goal and mission: to have God reign as the only true King in His Kingdom (also known as the Kingdom of God). The story has always been moving towards one goal: King Jesus reigns over His creation.
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These are such rock-solid truths, and in a time of relativism and also sheer and utter chaos, Christians need these. Meditate on these, chew on these. See them throughout Scripture. Let it change your perspective on even the most minute and seemingly meaningless details of your day.
-Austin
