“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” Romans 8:35 (ESV) It is interesting that in the same sentence about Christ’s love we have a list of terrible things that our loving God allows in our lives. Why is this? Because God’s first priority is your Christformation, not comfortable circumstances. In vv. 28-29 we learn that all things work to conform you to the image of Christ. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom. 8:28-29, NIV). Thus, suffering will bless you!
And the truth we always know is that Christ loves us no matter what terrible thing is happening to us. In those times God is actively transforming us into someone who can abide in peace and faith no matter what is happening. His love is always there, and even our own feelings that God isn’t there, don’t separate us from Christ’s love. Even more, if we suffer in faith, then God will reward us. Earlier in Romans 8 we find this promise: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18, NIV). 2 Cor. 5:10 also explains that we will be rewarded for our deeds. So suffering will bless you since it actually works for our benefit in two wonderful ways: it Christforms us and it produces eternal blessings. If we can focus on these in times of distress, we will find our road is much easier to travel.
Consider any distress you are in now. Briefly consider the benefits of Christformation and eternal reward. How does that change your attitude? Can you see that suffering will bless you?
