September 17, 2024
Maybe you’ve heard about this courtroom exchange between the defense attorney and a farmer who filed a bodily injury claim.
Attorney: “At the time of the accident, did you tell the constable you had never felt better in your life?”
Farmer: “That’s right.”
Attorney: “Well, then, how is it you are now claiming you were seriously injured when my client's auto hit your wagon?
Farmer: “When the constable arrived, he went over to my horse, who had a broken leg, and shot him. Then he went over to Rover, my dog, who was all banged up, and shot him. When he asked me how I felt, I just thought under the circumstances, it was a wise choice of words to say ‘I've never felt better in my life.’”
When people ask you how you’re doing, you probably respond with the obligatory, “Fine, thank you.” After all, it’s just a greeting and they don’t really want to hear the details of how you’re really doing, right? When the fact is, you may not be doing so well. Inflation is killing you…there’s conflict at your job… you’re facing a serious medical issue … turmoil has erupted within your family…
Scripture says, “Consider it joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2 NASB). As you ponder this verse, consider these two challenges.
EXPECT SUFFERING- The Scripture says when you face trials, not if. Tough times are going to come, whether we like it or not. It’s just part of life in this fallen world in which we live. The Bible also says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you” (1 Peter 4:12 NASB).
ENJOY SUFFERING- Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice” (Philippians 4:4 NASB). This includes times of suffering, provided, of course, it’s not something you’ve brought on yourself through bad behavior. The Word goes on to say, “To the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If we endure, we will also reign with Him” (1 Peter 4:13, 2 Timothy 2:12 NASB). When we suffer, we get a small taste of what Jesus went through to secure our salvation. “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (1 Corinthians 5:12 NASB).
Not only do we identify with Christ in our suffering, we become better versions of ourselves in the process. As our original verse goes on to say, “Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:3,4 NASB).
Unlike other gems, pearls come from a living organism, the oyster. The process begins when a foreign irritant, such as a parasite or piece of coral, gets inside the shell. The oyster then protects itself by layering the invader with nacre (mother-of pearl). As a result of pain and suffering, an object of great beauty, a gem of great worth, is formed.
Likewise, spiritually speaking, when trials and tribulations come your way, allow Christ to produce in you a demeanor and disposition of great value and beauty. When suffering, rather than wonder, “Why God?” ask, “What God?”; what is it I need to learn from this season in life?” Grow better, not bitter.
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Rev. Gaddis has been a senior pastor for 34 years, 22 of those in North Georgia. He currently lives in Athen and can be reached at jtoddgaddis@gmail.com.
