Encouragement—the ministry of helping others to “keep on keeping on”—is particularly vital. Especially in dark days, we take great encouragement from others when we know they are willing to walk with us through the valley, even if they cannot fully comprehend our pain. Herein we find another reason why God allows suffering into our lives.

Paul included this perspective on suffering when he encouraged Timothy to be steadfast.

You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,  my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.  Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted….  But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom  you learned it….
II Tim. 3:10-14

We count teaching, faith, etc. as “positive” things and persecutions, sufferings, etc. as “negative” things. Yet both are cited by Paul to help Timothy with unwavering perseverance. Indeed, each of us who strive to be godly can expect suffering, not because of ours sins, but because God has a larger purpose in mind.

With eloquence Paul described that larger purpose in Second Corinthians:

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 affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. —II Cor. 1:3-4

Suffering is elevated to rare nobility in this passage. When we enter the crucible, God comes as the Father of Mercies and the God of all Encouragement. He does this so we will be able to share with others the blessing we receive! Can it be that God would intentionally allow me to suffer for the express purpose of helping someone else? Listen carefully to II Cor. 1:6.

If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.

Dear Lord, may we learn to see by faith that even in suffering our focus should not be on ourselves; we can praise You and be steadfast in faith, knowing that You desire to minister grace to others through us.

Pastor Rich