“Suffering is God’s gift to accomplish His good in a fallen world. Seems crazy, right? Hardly anyone would consider it a privilege to suffer for the name of Jesus, but those who understand what the name represents learn to do so.”- Chip Ingram
“God permits what he hates to achieve what he loves.”- Joni Eareckson Tada, When God Weeps
Chip Ingram concludes Chapter 8 of I Choose Joy as he talks about how suffering fosters spiritual develo0pment. For example, the apostle Paul experienced extraordinary revelation and encounters with God. However, Chip notes, apparently Paul’s spiritual depth put him at risk of becoming proud. As a result, Paul was given a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble.
In fact, Paul called his thorn in the flesh ‘a messenger of Satan to torment [him].’ Hence, instead of persisting in prayer for relief, Paul learned how to be content. Therefore, Pastor Ingram adds:
“When we suffer, we look up, develop compassion for others, quit being so judgmental, learn that life is not ‘all about me,’ and follow in the footsteps of Jesus — enduring the discomfort and hostility of this world, in order to bring the message of salvation to it. . . . Suffering is the ultimate test case. If you can have joy in pain and adversity, you can have joy in anything.”
As a result, Chip stresses, choosing joy serves as a mindset and a lifestyle. Above all, choosing joy isn’t simply a matter of willpower and perseverance. Rather, it’s a new way of thinking and seeing.
Because happiness depends on what’s happening in your life. But joy is the byproduct of our deepest and most intimate relationships. However, no magic pill or quick fix exists. God gives us the truth and creates His desires within us. But we must make the effort. Although we can’t change ourselves, God only changes us with our cooperation.
Today’s question: How does God accomplish His good in a fallen world through you? Please share.
Tomorrow’s bog: the annotated bibliography of I Choose Joy