A Deeper Dive Into the Book of Revelation - Part 26
God is with Us in Suffering
It has never been God’s will to keep us from all suffering and tribulation. Suffering accomplishes God’s will in our lives when we respond to it correctly.
But one thing we can be sure of is that God will always be with us through any suffering and tribulation that we experience.
“God has said, ‘I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.’ Deuteronomy 31:6”—Hebrews 13:5 (ICB)
The Amplified Classic version of this verse is much more emphatic:
“He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]”—Hebrews 13:5 (AMPC)
In the very last words of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus promised to be with us always, in all circumstances.
“I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”—Matthew 28:20 (AMP)
God has proven His faithfulness over and over again to be with us in our times of suffering and tribulation.
Remember the testimony of Joseph. Joseph experienced the sufferings of betrayal by his brothers, slavery in Egypt, and imprisonment after being falsely accused, but God was with Joseph in every circumstance.
“The [ten elder] patriarchs, overwhelmed with jealousy, sold [their younger brother] Joseph into [slavery in] Egypt; but God was with him, and He rescued him from all his suffering, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made Joseph governor over Egypt and over his entire household.”—Acts 7:9-10 (AMP)
Remember the testimony of Daniel. He was thrown into a den of lions after being maliciously accused by his enemies. God did not keep Daniel from going through this time of severe tribulation, but God was with Daniel and protected him in the midst of it.
“Then Daniel spoke to the king, ‘O king, live forever! My God has sent His angel and has shut the mouths of the lions so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also before you, O king, I have committed no crime.’ Then the king was greatly pleased and ordered that Daniel be taken out of the den. So Daniel was taken out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in and relied on and trusted in his God.”—Daniel 6:21-23 (AMP)
Remember the testimony of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. God did not stop them from being thrown into the fiery furnace, but after they were thrown into the furnace, God actually joined them and protected them there in the midst of their tribulation!
But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied.
“Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!”
Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”
So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!—Daniel 3:24-27 (NLT)
Remember the testimony of the children of Israel when they were slaves in Egypt. They were in Egypt during the time when God’s ten great plagues were released upon that county. God did not deliver them from Egypt until after that time of “great tribulation” was finished, but He was with them and protected them during all of the plagues.
“And the Lord did just as he had said. The next morning all the livestock of the Egyptians died, but the Israelites didn’t lose a single animal. Pharaoh sent his officials to investigate, and they discovered that the Israelites had not lost a single animal!”—Exodus 9:6-7 (NLT)
And God has promised that he will be with us even during the time of tribulation that will come in the last days.
“But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in tribulation, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, you will return to the Lord your God and obey his voice. For the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them.”—Deuteronomy 4:29-31 (ESV)
Nothing can separate us from God’s love for us—not even tribulation.
“Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Just as it is written and forever remains written,
‘For Your sake we are put to death all day long; We are regarded as sheep for the slaughter.’
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”—Romans 8:35-39 (AMP)
God is always with us. He comforts us during our times of suffering and tribulation, and He enables us to comfort others.
“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 tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.”—2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NKJV)
“Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus”—2 Corinthians 7:4-6 (NKJV)
“Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.”—Psalm 23:4-6 (AMP)
Our Sufferings Bring Healing and Restoration to Others
We already know that Jesus suffered terribly. He didn’t have to endure any of the suffering that He experienced, but He willingly endured it, suffering unto death for our sakes. Everything that Jesus suffered was for our benefit, at the cost of his own life.
“Therefore Jesus also suffered and died outside the [city’s] gate in order that He might purify and consecrate the people through [the shedding of] His own blood and set them apart as holy [for God].”—Hebrews 13:12 (AMPC)
Likewise, when we suffer tribulation for the cause of Christ, our suffering is not wasted. When we respond correctly, our suffering leads to others to find life in Jesus Christ.
“Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead and descended from David. This is my good news. This is the reason I’m suffering to the point that I’m in prison like a common criminal. But God’s word cannot be imprisoned. This is why I endure everything for the sake of those who are chosen by God so that they too may experience salvation in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”—2 Timothy 2:8-10 (CEB)
“So I ask you not to be discouraged because of what is happening to me. My sufferings are for your benefit—for your honor and glory.”—Ephesians 3:13 (ERV)
“The believers were scattered by the persecution that began when Stephen was killed. Some of them went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. They told the Good News in these places, but only to Jews.”—Acts 11:19 (ERV)
“[Even] now I rejoice in the midst of my sufferings on your behalf. And in my own person I am making up whatever is still lacking and remains to be completed [on our part] of Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church.”—Colossians 1:24 (AMPC)
Suffering helps to develop godly character and a greater sensitivity to the sufferings of others. This motivates us to reach out to help others in their times of need, responding to those needs with genuine love.
“We want to tell you further, brethren, about the grace (the favor and spiritual blessing) of God which has been evident in the churches of Macedonia [arousing in them the desire to give alms];
“For in the midst of an ordeal of severe tribulation, their abundance of joy and their depth of poverty [together] have overflowed in wealth of lavish generosity on their part.
“For, as I can bear witness, [they gave] according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability; and [they did it] voluntarily,
“Begging us most insistently for the favor and the fellowship of contributing in this ministration for [the relief and support of] the saints [in Jerusalem].
“Nor [was this gift of theirs merely the contribution] that we expected, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us [as His agents] by the will of God [entirely disregarding their personal interests, they gave as much as they possibly could, having put themselves at our disposal to be directed by the will of God]—
“So much so that we have urged Titus that as he began it, he should also complete this beneficent and gracious contribution among you [the church at Corinth].
“Now as you abound and excel and are at the front in everything—in faith, in expressing yourselves, in knowledge, in all zeal, and in your love for us—[see to it that you come to the front now and] abound and excel in this gracious work [of almsgiving] also.”—2 Corinthians 8:1-7 (AMPC)
As God consoles and comforts us in our sufferings, He helps us to understand how to bring consolation and comfort to others in their sufferings.
“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 tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.”—2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NKJV)
We learn through suffering how to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
“But it was right and commendable and noble of you to contribute for my needs and to share my difficulties with me.”—Philippians 4:14 (AMPC)
Responding to Suffering and Tribulation
Many Christians of our “Laodicean” generation seem to reject the idea of suffering and tribulation in favor of pursuing lives of comfort and complacency. But the Bible makes it very clear that suffering and tribulation are promised to us as Christians. Suffering is part of the Christian life. It is unavoidable.
Since suffering is part of the Christian life, significant passages of Scripture are focused on teaching us how to respond to the sufferings that we will experience.
Our natural inclination may be to focus on the immediate circumstances, but when we do that, our emotional responses tend to be negative. If we focus on our circumstances, it can be very easy to give in to anger, fear, discouragement, and self-pity. When we feel these negative emotional responses rise up, we can use them as signals to help us realize that we are not looking at our situations as God sees them.
When we rise above our short-term circumstances and begin to see things from God’s perspective, we can respond with joy, patience, peace, and love, knowing that God has everything under control. If we respond in ways that please the Lord, then our sufferings will actually benefit us and work in our favor to bring about God’s best for our lives.
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you. But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, keep on rejoicing, so that when His glory [filled with His radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may rejoice with great joy. If you are insulted and reviled for [bearing] the name of Christ, you are blessed [happy, with life-joy and comfort in God’s salvation regardless of your circumstances], because the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you [and indwelling you—He whom they curse, you glorify].
“Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or a thief, or any sort of criminal [in response to persecution], or as a troublesome meddler interfering in the affairs of others; but if anyone suffers [ill-treatment] as a Christian [because of his belief], he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God [because he is considered worthy to suffer] in this name.
“For it is the time [destined] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not respect or believe or obey the gospel of God? And if it is difficult for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the godless and the sinner? Therefore, those who are ill-treated and suffer in accordance with the will of God must [continue to] do right and commit their souls [for safe-keeping] to the faithful Creator.”—1 Peter 4:12-19 (AMP)
The early apostles were able to rejoice in their sufferings because they were able to look beyond their short-term circumstances and see God’s long-term purposes and eternal rewards in their sufferings.
“The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.”—Acts 5:41 (NLT)
Regardless of our circumstances, we cannot abandon our faith. We must remain steadfast and immovable in our faith and in our obedience to the Lord.
“Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.”—Romans 12:12 (AMPC)
“Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride and boasting on your behalf. I am filled [to the brim] with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in spite of all our trouble.
“For even when we arrived in Macedonia our bodies had no rest, but we were oppressed at every turn—conflicts and disputes without, fears and dread within. But God, who comforts and encourages the depressed and the disquieted, comforted us by the arrival of Titus. And not only by his arrival, but also by [his account of] the encouragement which he received in regard to you. He told us about your longing [for us], your mourning [over sin], and how eagerly you took my part and supported me, so that I rejoiced even more.”—2 Corinthians 7:4-7 (AMP)
**“**We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering.”—2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 (NLT)
“Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.”—James 1:2-4 (AMP)
“I am happy in my sufferings for you. There are many things that Christ must still suffer through his body, the church. I am accepting my part of these things that must be suffered. I accept these sufferings in my body. I suffer for his body, the church.”—Colossians 1:24 (ICB)
We must learn the lessons of Israel’s experience so that we do not repeat their mistakes. It’s all about learning to respond to problems and difficulties in ways that are pleasing to the Lord, as Paul exhorted us in 1 Corinthians 10:
“Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
“Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: ‘The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.’ We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes.** **And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.
“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.** **So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
“Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.** **I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.”—1 Corinthians 10:5-15 (NIV)
Suffering for Christ Brings Great Rewards
In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles taught us not to focus on our circumstances, which are temporary, but to look at things from God’s point of view, see the big picture, and realize that our sufferings are buying unimaginable rewards for us!
“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!”—2 Corinthians 4:17 (NLT)
“Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
“As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”—2 Timothy 4:5-8 (NLT)
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”—Revelation 2:10 (NASB)
“We have sufferings now. But the sufferings we have now are nothing compared to the great glory that will be given to us.”—Romans 8:18 (ICB)
“If we remain faithful even in suffering, we will also rule with him. If we refuse to say we know him, he will refuse to say he knows us.”—2 Timothy 2:12 (ERV)
“It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.”—Hebrews 11:24-26 (NLT)
“There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection.”—Hebrews 11:35 (NIV)
“Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. **Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. **Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.
“So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!”—Hebrews 10:32-35 (NLT)
