I have never heard anyone say, “The deepest and rarest and most satisfying joys of my life have come in times of extended ease and earthly comfort.” Nobody says that. It isn’t true. What’s true is what Samuel Rutherford said when he was put in the cellars of affliction: “The Great King keeps his wine there” — not in the courtyard where the sun shines. What’s true is what Charles Spurgeon said: “They who dive in the sea of affliction bring up rare pearls.”
John Piper – Desiring God, Why we can rejoice in suffering
When we go through difficult times we need shepherds to walk with us and help us find places of comfort and refreshing. John Piper has done that for me many times and I share some of his teachings with you here.
- Suffering is not surprising (to God) it is purposeful – it is part of His plan.
- Your sufferings as a Christian are not yours alone, they are Jesus’ sufferings and evidence of your union with Him.
- Joy in suffering strengthens our assurance of future glory when Jesus returns.
- In the hour of greatest trial we experience God’s presence most.
- Suffering with joy in God glorifies God greatly
“Glorifying God means showing by your actions and attitudes that God is glorious to you — that he is valuable, precious, desirable, satisfying. And the greatest way to show that someone satisfies your heart is to keep on rejoicing in them when all other supports for your satisfaction are falling away. When you keep rejoicing in God in the midst of suffering, it shows that God, and not other things, is the great source of your joy.”
If you need more pastoral counsel from Pastor John, read or listen to this message he sent to a mother grieving the loss of her 14 year old son to cancer.