“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 ESV)
Life is full of tragedies, deaths, and disappointments, and these experiences often lead us to question, “Why did these things have to happen to me?” When faced with such trials, we have three potential responses. We can become bitter, accusing and blaming God for our misfortunes. Alternatively, we might succumb to self-pity, believing we are alone in our suffering, despite the fact that many others have suffered for the cause of Christ. Or we can choose to accept our circumstances, understanding that “all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). In this sermon, we will explore five reasons why even the best people experience suffering and how these hardships can ultimately bring about God’s glory and purpose in our lives.
I. That the Glory of God Might Be Made Manifest
One reason for our suffering is that the glory of God might be revealed. In John 9, Jesus encounters a man who was blind from birth. When asked if the man’s blindness was due to his own sin or that of his parents, Jesus responded that it was neither. Instead, the man’s condition existed so that the works of God might be displayed in him (John 9:3). Similarly, Job’s suffering was not a consequence of his sin but a means through which God’s glory was manifested. Through Job’s perseverance, despite immense suffering, God’s sovereignty and faithfulness were powerfully demonstrated.
Charles Spurgeon once remarked, “Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil and let us see what we are made of.” In our own lives, we may face trials that seem inexplicable and unjust. However, these moments are opportunities for God to reveal His power and glory through our weakness. Our suffering can serve as a testimony to others, showing them the strength and faithfulness of God. When people see us enduring hardships with grace and faith, they witness the transformative power of God’s presence in our lives. This revelation of God’s glory through our suffering not only strengthens our faith but also serves as a powerful witness to those around us.
II. That You Might Help Some Weaker Brother
Another reason for suffering is that it equips us to help others who are going through similar trials. Our experiences of pain and hardship can become a source of encouragement and strength for others who are struggling. In 1 Thessalonians 1:7, Paul commends the Thessalonians for becoming examples to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia through their faith and endurance. Our own trials and the grace we receive from God in those moments can make us examples and sources of hope for others.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian who suffered greatly during World War II, stated, “Suffering, then, is the badge of true discipleship. The disciple is not above his master. Following Christ means passio passiva, suffering because we have to suffer.” When we endure suffering with faith, we are not only following in Christ’s footsteps but also becoming vessels of His grace for others. By sharing our stories of how God sustained us, we provide tangible evidence of His faithfulness and encourage others to trust in Him. This mutual support and encouragement within the body of Christ is crucial, as it helps to build a resilient and compassionate community.
III. To Show You That the Grace of God Is Sufficient for Every Need
Paul’s experience with the “thorn in the flesh” in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 reveals another purpose of suffering: to demonstrate the sufficiency of God’s grace. Despite Paul’s repeated pleas for the removal of his thorn, God’s response was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Through his suffering, Paul learned to rely on God’s strength rather than his own, finding that God’s grace was more than enough to sustain him.
A.W. Tozer wrote, “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.” This statement reflects the truth that our deepest experiences of God’s grace often come through our greatest sufferings. When we are at our weakest, God’s power and grace are most evident. Our trials strip away our illusions of self-sufficiency and force us to depend wholly on God. This dependency allows us to experience the fullness of His grace, which not only sustains us but also transforms our understanding of strength and weakness. We come to realize that true strength lies not in our abilities but in our reliance on God’s unending grace.
IV. That You Might Enter into the Fellowship of His Suffering
Suffering also allows us to enter into a deeper fellowship with Christ by sharing in His sufferings. Philippians 3:10 expresses Paul’s desire “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” This intimate fellowship with Christ is achieved not through comfort and ease, but through experiencing hardships similar to those He endured.
John Stott aptly said, “Suffering is not an elective in the school of discipleship but a required course.” Our sufferings allow us to connect with Jesus on a level, understanding more fully the depth of His love and sacrifice. When we suffer for the sake of Christ, we are participating in His redemptive work, becoming more like Him in the process. This fellowship with Christ in suffering not only deepens our relationship with Him but also strengthens our faith and character. It is in these moments of shared suffering that we truly understand the cost of discipleship and the immeasurable love of our Savior.
V. Because God Has to Chasten His Precious Believers
Finally, suffering can be a form of divine discipline meant to refine and purify us. Hebrews 12:6 reminds us, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” God’s discipline is an expression of His love, intended to correct and guide us toward greater holiness and usefulness in His kingdom. Just as a loving parent disciplines their child to teach and protect them, so too does God discipline us for our good.
C.S. Lewis poignantly noted, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Through suffering, God gets our attention and prompts us to re-evaluate our lives and priorities. His discipline helps us to recognize and abandon sinful behaviors and attitudes, leading us to greater spiritual maturity. While discipline may be painful, it ultimately produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11). Accepting God’s discipline with humility and trust enables us to grow in holiness and become more effective vessels for His purposes.
In conclusion, suffering and hardship are inevitable parts of life, but they are not without purpose. Whether it is to manifest God’s glory, help a weaker brother, demonstrate the sufficiency of God’s grace, enter into the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings, or experience divine discipline, these trials serve to deepen our faith and draw us closer to God. As we navigate our own challenges, let us remember that God’s grace is sufficient, His purposes are perfect, and His love is unending. May we find comfort and strength in these truths, and may our lives be a testament to the transformative power of God’s presence in the midst of suffering.
Intentional Faith 