When Your Suffering Advances the Gospel

When we view suffering only as what has happened to us, we have the wrong perspective.

An inward focus is a selfish focus.

Only looking at the immediate ramifications of suffering is short-sighted.

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.Romans 8:18

Trials and suffering are ordained by God.

Trials are meant to drive us to God.

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 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.2 Corinthians 12:7-9

The goal is God’s glory.

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.Romans 8:18

The goal is our sanctification.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.Romans 8:28-29

Viewing suffering as part of God’s sovereignty requires maturity and discernment.

Suffering gives us a platform for the Gospel.

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.Acts 20:22-24

And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.Ephesians 6:19-20

A joyful Christian testimony during suffering is a powerful Gospel witness.

Where in I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.2 Timothy 2:9-10

God wants you to be an example of how to suffer well.

God wants to put his grace on display alongside your own hurt.

Our faithfulness in suffering makes others bold.

Our circumstances cannot steal our joy.

Our circumstances do not limit what we can do for Christ, only create new opportunities.

Our story of suffering is the story of the faithfulness of God.

Our suffering is the price for making others bold.

If your suffering will bring others to Jesus, your life must be rooted in the Gospel.