They occur constantly. Sometimes practically everyday. Trials and temptations bring sorrow, pain, anger, sadness, envy, and hurt, emotions that have the ability, and far too often are successful in discouraging and disparaging the child of God. And if it were not bad enough that they hinder New Testament Christianity, they many times destroy an individual’s faith and ultimately their souls. Since such dangers abound and are so indelibly imprinted in our society and our lives, how is it that we can escape the sure destruction that comes from yielding to their influences and in the end be eternally separated from God?
The apostle Paul knew a thing or two about suffering and the need for strength. In fact, in II Corinthians 11, in an effort to defend his apostleship amidst hateful attacks by his critics, Paul went through and defended his record in suffering for the cause of Christ:
“Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches” (vs. 23-28).
Can you hear the pain in his voice? His anguish is all too obvious. Not the fact that he had to suffer, but the reason suffering came upon him. His suffering was a direct result of the world’s hatred of Christianity. He did not believe himself to be above hurt and sorrow, but the fact that his hurt and sorrow came from negativity toward the gospel was his greatest pain. However, Paul never looked at his trials as an excuse to quit. Giving up was not an option for him because his eyes were set on something greater, something for which all of his suffering was worth. And above all, he had a God who provided strength upon which he could rely. In fact, it was just in the next chapter that after praying for God to relieve his “thorn in the flesh” Paul admitted, “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 Corinthians 12:10). His own personal weakness made Paul realize just how much he relied upon the strength of God, and we can and should come to the same realization. It is when we are weakened that we are made strongest.
“What about when I am rejected?” In response to the question ask likewise, “Am I truly the one being reject?” It is all too apparent that when we as Christians feel rejected that in reality it is God who is rejected. Samuel felt the same opposition as the prophet of God when the people demanded a king like the nations (I Samuel 8:5-6), but God’s response to him was, “Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them” (vs. 7). Therefore, when you feel rejection, realize that God is ultimately the one facing rejection, and upon His strength rely.
“What about when I am despised?” Hatred for New Testament Christians and Christianity is nothing new. In fact, hatred for Christianity is as old as Christianity itself. There is really very little that can be done to change this spite on a mass level, but it can be controlled somewhat on an individual level. The greatest fact to which we can look is that the love of God is greater than the hatred of any man. Whether it be friend or foe, family, brother in Christ, or just the world in general, remember the love of God which constrains us (II Corinthians 5:14) and leads to a reciprocation of that love (I John 4:19) is eternal, and shall never cease. Therefore regardless of what the world might throw our way, the love of God is a cushion that will soften each blow and is a strength upon which we can rely.
“What about when I am discouraged?” About what are you discouraged? Are you discouraged that you have a loving God (John 3:16)? Are you discouraged that He sent a Savior to die for you (Ephesians 5:2)? Are you discouraged that a heavenly home is prepared for you (John 14:1-3)? Yes, there may be temporary discouragements in life that can sidetrack our Christian efforts, but never allow these speed bumps to take your eyes off the goal. We have eternal hope, and that provides strength on which we can rely.
Sorrow, pain, anger, sadness, envy, and hurt are all trials that, sadly, have become natural in life. Something, though, that is just as natural to the Christian is an unshakeable foundation, our strength in Christ. Read about it, see the evidence for it, accept it, and enjoy the blessings that come by it. Start today.