Stewarding Suffering: Finding Joy and Growth in Trials
Summary
In the midst of life's trials and tribulations, we are reminded of the profound stewardship we hold over our suffering. Reflecting on a personal journey through illness, I shared how a seemingly insurmountable challenge became a pivotal moment of growth and faith. Thirty-one years ago, I faced a severe health crisis, initially misdiagnosed, which turned out to be cancer. This period of suffering, though daunting, was transformative. It was a time when faith was tested, yet it was also a time when God's presence was palpably felt. Through chemotherapy and radiation, I experienced a miraculous healing, which I attribute to God's intervention. This ordeal, while painful, was invaluable, shaping my ministry and personal life in ways I could never have anticipated.
The concept of stewardship extends beyond our tangible responsibilities to include the trials we endure. We are called to manage these hardships with faith and perseverance, recognizing them as opportunities for spiritual growth. The book of James encourages us to "count it all joy" when facing trials, not because of the pain itself, but because of the work God is doing through it. Our faith, like a blade tempered in oil, is strengthened and refined through these experiences. This process of endurance leads to maturity, equipping us to handle future challenges with a steadfast spirit.
Moreover, our response to suffering serves as a testimony to both believers and non-believers. It is a demonstration of faith in action, showing others the sustaining power of God in our lives. We are reminded that God's timeline is perfect, even when it seems prolonged or unclear to us. Trusting in His sovereignty, we can find peace in knowing that He is working all things for our good, even when the outcome is not immediately visible.
Key Takeaways:
- Stewardship of Suffering: Our trials are not just burdens to bear but responsibilities to steward. They are opportunities for growth and a testament to our faith. Embracing this perspective allows us to see God's hand in our hardships, knowing that He is refining us for His purposes. [51:20]
- Joy in Trials: James teaches us to find joy in our trials, not because of the suffering itself, but because of the spiritual growth it fosters. This joy is rooted in the assurance that God is at work, shaping us into mature believers. [55:08]
- Faith as a Testimony: Our response to suffering is a powerful witness to others. It demonstrates the reality of our faith and the sustaining power of God, influencing both believers and non-believers around us. [57:52]
- God's Perfect Timing: Trusting in God's timeline is crucial. Though we may not understand the duration or purpose of our trials, we can rest in the knowledge that God is sovereign and His plans are for our ultimate good. [01:07:12]
- Faith as Victory: Ultimately, faith is the victory that overcomes the world. By leaning into God and trusting Him through our trials, we experience His peace and strength, knowing that He is in control and will bring us through. [01:11:02]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[43:14] - Introduction to Suffering
[45:09] - Realization of Illness
[46:34] - Diagnosis and Treatment
[47:52] - Miraculous Healing
[48:40] - Reflection on Suffering
[49:20] - Stewardship and Responsibilities
[50:10] - Personal Stewardship
[51:20] - Stewardship of Suffering
[53:05] - James and the Scattered Tribes
[55:08] - Joy in Trials
[57:52] - Faith as a Testimony
[01:00:45] - Types of Trials
[01:03:11] - Strengthening of Faith
[01:07:12] - God's Perfect Timing
[01:11:02] - Faith as Victory
[01:12:22] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. James 1:2-4 - "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
2. Romans 5:2-5 - "Through him, we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
3. 1 Peter 1:6-7 - "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the personal experience shared in the sermon that illustrated the concept of stewardship of suffering? [45:09]
2. How does the book of James encourage believers to view their trials, according to the sermon? [55:08]
3. What role does faith play in our response to suffering, as discussed in the sermon? [57:52]
4. How did the pastor describe the impact of his illness on his ministry and personal life? [48:40]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the concept of "stewardship of suffering" change a person's perspective on their personal trials? [51:20]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that joy can be found in trials, and how does this align with the teachings in James 1:2-4? [55:08]
3. How does the pastor's story serve as a testimony to others, and what does this imply about the role of personal experiences in faith? [57:52]
4. What does the sermon suggest about God's timing in relation to our trials, and how does this relate to the idea of faith as victory? [01:07:12]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How did you manage it, and in what ways could you have approached it as a stewardship opportunity? [51:20]
2. Consider a current challenge in your life. How can you find joy in this trial, knowing that it may lead to spiritual growth and maturity? [55:08]
3. Think of someone in your life who might be observing your response to a difficult situation. How can your actions serve as a testimony of faith to them? [57:52]
4. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust God's timing? How can you remind yourself of His sovereignty and perfect plan during these times? [01:07:12]
5. Identify a specific way you can lean into God and trust Him more deeply through your current trials. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith during this period? [01:11:02]
6. How can you support someone else who is going through a trial, using your own experiences as a source of encouragement and hope? [01:10:21]
7. Reflect on a past trial that has shaped you. How can you use the lessons learned from that experience to face future challenges with a steadfast spirit? [01:03:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Stewardship of Suffering
In the journey of life, suffering is not merely a burden but a profound responsibility. It is an opportunity to steward our hardships with faith and perseverance, recognizing them as moments for spiritual growth. By embracing this perspective, we can see God's hand in our trials, knowing that He is refining us for His purposes. This stewardship calls us to manage our suffering with a sense of purpose, allowing it to shape us into more mature believers. [51:20]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a current trial you are facing. How can you view it as an opportunity for growth and stewardship rather than just a burden?
Day 2: Joy in Trials
The book of James encourages believers to find joy in trials, not because of the suffering itself, but because of the spiritual growth it fosters. This joy is rooted in the assurance that God is at work, shaping us into mature believers. Trials are a means through which our faith is tested and strengthened, much like a blade tempered in oil. By embracing this joy, we acknowledge that God is refining us, equipping us to handle future challenges with a steadfast spirit. [55:08]
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." (Romans 5:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a past trial where you found unexpected joy. How did that experience shape your faith and character?
Day 3: Faith as a Testimony
Our response to suffering serves as a powerful testimony to both believers and non-believers. It demonstrates the reality of our faith and the sustaining power of God in our lives. By showing others how we lean on God during difficult times, we provide a living example of faith in action. This testimony can influence those around us, offering them a glimpse of God's presence and strength in our lives. [57:52]
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: Consider someone in your life who is observing your faith journey. How can your response to a current challenge serve as a testimony to them?
Day 4: God's Perfect Timing
Trusting in God's timeline is crucial, even when the duration or purpose of our trials is unclear. We can find peace in knowing that God is sovereign and His plans are for our ultimate good. His timing, though sometimes prolonged or unclear to us, is perfect. By resting in this knowledge, we can navigate our trials with confidence, trusting that God is working all things for our good. [01:07:12]
"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a situation where you are struggling to understand God's timing. How can you practice patience and trust in His perfect plan today?
Day 5: Faith as Victory
Ultimately, faith is the victory that overcomes the world. By leaning into God and trusting Him through our trials, we experience His peace and strength. This faith assures us that God is in control and will bring us through any challenge. It is through faith that we find victory, not in the absence of trials, but in the presence of God who sustains us through them. [01:11:02]
"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." (1 John 5:4, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you need to lean more on your faith. What steps can you take today to trust God more fully in that area?
Quotes
And it made me think about my topic, my subject matter a little bit more. And I want to introduce it this way. It was 31 years ago that my sister and brother-in-law invited Lisa and I to go on a short vacation with them. They said, we're in Lancaster. We have a room on Greenfield Road. Come and visit us. We were living in, where were we at the time, Abe? We were in Lansdale. [00:43:55] (29 seconds)
And I was six years into my seminary training, hadn't yet even thought of starting a church, but had been sick for about four months, going to the doctor sometimes every week, couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. Everybody's given suggestions. I listened to a guy talk about AIDS. And by the time he was done, I was sure I had AIDS, but I didn't know how in the world I could have gotten it. [00:44:16] (25 seconds)
And so that week, I went into work. We had a doctor at our work, and I was going to him every week, working at Hatfield Meats. We would slaughter up to 10,000 pigs a day, and then I would clean up. That was part of my seminary training. I had a guy say to me once, because I'm a pastor, well, now you know what manual labor is, when I was working one time. I was like, man, you have no clue. [00:45:39] (25 seconds)
And I walked past a room with the lights off, and the nurse called me to the side and said, hey, come in here. Well, there were two nurses in there, and they said, we might lose our job for doing this, but we think the doctor's, you know, misdiagnosing you. We think you have cancer, and you need to push him to do a chest x-ray. [00:46:13] (21 seconds)
And so he said, we're just going to send you to some specialist. And I said, you've never done a chest x-ray. And I had a whole slew of reasons why he should have. He just didn't. And so we got a chest x-ray and found out the day or two after that that I had a mass in my chest that covered every void in my chest, from my chest to my spine and from side to side. [00:46:41] (26 seconds)
Miraculously, after my third treatment, Dr. Cohen said, you know, we hope that your tumor's shrunk by 30-some percent. And when he did the CAT scan or chest x-ray, I don't even know what they called them, he said, there's nothing there. It's completely gone. You're completely healed. And I believe God healed me, that the whole mass, all of it was gone. [00:47:44] (25 seconds)
And yet, in retrospect, I look back at it 31 years later, and I even feel bad telling my story. It's a whole lifetime ago. Who cares? And I've told it before, but it's relevant. Because as I look back now, I wouldn't give it back for anything. I don't want to go through it again, but I wouldn't give it back. [00:48:29] (22 seconds)
But to give back what I've gone through, I never would, because what I went through was so valuable to our ministry. But I can look back at it and say, with joy, look what God brought us through. Look what God did. All of that is in the context of the Bible. It's in the context of stewardship. [00:49:21] (18 seconds)
And some of those have to do with suffering. I believe we have a stewardship of suffering. And when we go through hardship, there's a way that we need to begin to respond. And act. Even though we hate what we're going through, what we're feeling, whether it's health or finances or relationships or job or community or family, whatever it is, even though we might hate it and we wish we couldn't go through it, it's our stewardship. [00:51:20] (31 seconds)
And so James, this wise preacher, who's very succinct, like he doesn't elaborate on things too much, he says to the 12 tribes which are scattered abroad, I greet you. My brothers, count it all joy when you go through various trials. Now, in our flesh, our response might be, are you nuts? Like, what do we have to rejoice about? [00:55:08] (27 seconds)
And among those saved people, or even unsaved, are your children, your family, your neighbors, the people you do soccer with, if you're a soccer mom or dad, or whoever it is that you pal around with, they see you and how you're responding. And an overriding idea of this whole context is the idea of faith, and that is to trust in God. [00:57:52] (25 seconds)
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