While writing to Timothy, Paul was in prison experiencing physical discomfort, personal attack, and desertion. Why would God allow His faithful servant to endure such suffering? Why didn’t the Lord step in and protect him?
At times God doesn’t rescue us from suffering because He is providing something better. We may feel as if He’s abandoned us, but in reality, He is protecting us—not by deliverance but through strengthening.
When trouble pays you a visit, view it from the Lord’s perspective and ask yourself:
• Which is a greater demonstration of God’s power—changing something around me or changing something within my heart?
• Which is the greater faith builder—seeing the Lord’s deliverance from every difficulty or experiencing His presence and strengthening in the midst of trials?
• Which reward is greater—quick relief from pain or tested and refined faith that will result in praise and glory when Christ returns (1 Peter 1:7)?
• Which answer to prayer is greater—that the Lord has removed something and given me external peace, or that He’s left me in a trial and given an internal peace, which cannot be stolen even by painful circumstances?
• Which is the greater faith builder—seeing the Lord’s deliverance from every difficulty or experiencing His presence and strengthening in the midst of trials?
• Which reward is greater—quick relief from pain or tested and refined faith that will result in praise and glory when Christ returns (1 Peter 1:7)?
• Which answer to prayer is greater—that the Lord has removed something and given me external peace, or that He’s left me in a trial and given an internal peace, which cannot be stolen even by painful circumstances?
Does the Lord have to fix something in order for you to be happy? If He removes a difficult situation, you may never learn that He truly is sufficient for everything you need. Instead, allow Him to change you, and you’ll discover genuine joy in whatever circumstance may come your way.
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