Why God?

WHY GOD?

"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 1:3-11)

Do you find your heart being weighed down by the cares and sorrows of this world?

Have you had any knocks at your door lately from Mr. Tragedy, Mrs. Sorrow, Mr. Hardship, or Ms. Affliction?

As you seek to live wholeheartedly for Jesus and for His glory, yet encounter hardship, trials, and suffering in this life, do you ever find yourself confused, or even angry, and asking the question, “Why God?”

In the midst of affliction, it’s easy for our eyes to get so fixed on the problem in front of us and around us, that we can easily forget that our all-good, all-powerful, all-wise, sovereign God is at work, doing something intentional and purposeful, for our good and for His glory.

While we recognize that there is certainly some mystery to this (“His ways are higher than our ways”yet in 2 Corinthians 1, the apostle Paul, no stranger to suffering, provides us with some reasons why God has His people experience suffering, and provides us with instruction and encouragement to help sustain us in the midst of our trials.

Reason #1: So we would behold and experience God and His comfort in a much deeper way (v.3-4)

Reason #2: So we would serve, minister to, and comfort others more effectively (v.4, 6-7)

Reason #3: So we would know Christ intimately as we share with Him in His sufferings (v.5)

Reason #4: So we will be able to endure harder things that are on the horizon (v.6)

Reason #5. So we would learn to trust and depend fully upon God (v.8-11)

Reason #6: So God would be glorified and magnified through us! (v.1, 11)

As we consider these and other reasons given to us in the Scriptures for our suffering, I can assure you, not one ounce of pain or one single tear you cry is in vain or arbitrary, but purposefully ordained and used in the hands of a loving God!

So, when the rough rapids of suffering come crashing upon you, don’t run from God, run to God, and cling to Him for life!

Remember His character, His presence, His promises, and His prize!
God is using your trials and your suffering to produce for you an experience in heaven that will make it so indescribably glorious, that you’ll be willing to say, “I’d endure that suffering again a million more times if it means I get THIS!"

So, keep trusting Him, keep rejoicing, and keep going!

Questions for Reflection:

1. Why is it so difficult for us to remember God's purposes for our suffering when we are in the midst of a trial?

2. What Scriptures most minister to you and can be useful for you to hold on to the next time a trial enters your life?

3. What are some things you can resolve now to do to glorify God the next time you're feeling inclined to complain about pain, difficulty, and sorrow that you are experiencing?