Patiently Enduring Suffering – 2

In Scripture as well as in life, we find many different kinds of trials and sufferings: persecution – 2 Timothy 3:12; hard work – 1 Thessalonians 2:9; lack – Philippians 4:12; calamity – James 5:11 (See Job 1-2); sickness – Job 2:7-10; deferred hope – Romans 4:18 (Abraham); injustice – 1 Peter 2:20; grief – 1 Peter 1:6; and Temptation – Hebrews 2:18 (just to mention a few).

Without question, hardship, persecution and trials allow us to explore the depths of God’s grace and love in a way that no other experience can offer. To this point Paul told the followers of Christ in Corinth, “For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:5 NLT) How else could we experience the magnitude of his grace and love apart from deep need resulting from difficult trials and pain?

I believe this is also what God meant when he told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” We can read that statement, memorize it and meditate on it, but until we find ourselves in a tough situation in which we must cast ourselves on God’s grace, we won’t experience his all-sufficiency. We perceive the greatness of God’s power and abundant grace most obviously in the hour of our greatest need.

When I was in college Linda and I were married with two children. I attended school full-time, served as part-time pastor of a small church and worked a second part-time job to try to make ends meet. In those days we had very little money. One day at the end of a pay cycle we had no food in the house for dinner.

Linda and I prayed and then I walked out to our vegetable garden to see what might be ready to harvest. It was still early, so all I could find was a handful of small radishes. I continued to walk around the garden and pray asking God to meet our needs. Suddenly a thought occurred to me—cream of radish soup! I ran inside and excitedly told Linda, “Honey, we’re having cream of radish soup for supper tonight!” She said, “I’ve never heard of cream of radish soup!” I responded, “Neither have I, but it might be good!”

We set about making cream of radish soup and discovered that it actually was quite tasty and filling. I still get choked up when I tell that story because God dramatically demonstrated his great love, provision and creativity for us in our time of great need.

© 2009 Rob Fischer