One of our number was reminded on Sunday night of the following words from John Newton in relation to suffering, Romans 8 and the goodness of God. This is certainly worth thinking over.
I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek, more earnestly, His face.
’Twas He who taught me thus to pray,
And He, I trust, has answered prayer!
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.
I hoped that in some favored hour,
At once He’d answer my request;
And by His love’s constraining pow’r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.
Instead of this, He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry pow’rs of hell
Assault my soul in every part.
Yea more, with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds*, and laid me low.
Lord, why is this, I trembling cried,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
“’Tis in this way, the Lord replied,
I answer prayer for grace and faith.
These inward trials I employ,
From self, and pride, to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may’st find thy all in Me.”
* (a gourd, or fast growing vine is a term used to symbolize our idolatrous habit and desire to substitute God's gifts for God himself. Newton is picking up on Jonah who loved the plant God had given him (chapter 4), but not God and his good plans.)
Thank you so much for the series from Romans 8 - I have been incredibly challenged and encouraged. I have two questions:
ReplyDeleteif suffering is part of our Sovereign God's plans for us, should we be seeking to alleviate that suffering? Is there a difference between the suffering due to persecution for being a Christian and suffering in general and does that shape our response in seeking to handle the suffering?
Thanks for the questions.
ReplyDeleteI have no problem at all in seeking to alleviate suffering. If you're sick, take medicine; if you can see something bad about to happen on the horizon, self preservation is a great and natural thing. However, there may be times when in our avoidance of suffering we are actually being disobedient to God. So for example, we may suffer for doing what is right. That is not something to avoid. Similarly we may escape suffering but cause it to others by deserting responsibility or through laziness....that's not on either. However, just as I don't go looking for suffering, nor do I not do all I can to alleviate its impact...as long as I'm being godly.
In regards to the second question Romans 8 has both general and specific Christian suffering on view. Whereas sickness and struggle in life can lead to deeper trust and a longing for the sweetness of heaven; persecution can have the effect of emboldening others and building the church. (Although I'm not wanting to be too specific here).
It would be worth going through the New Testament with persecution in mind to see the effect and how people are encouraged to respond. Either way, our suffering and weakness can't thwart God's good purposes...indeed he will use them to demonstrate his glory and goodness.
Hope that helps a little...
Marcus