One of the most important things we must do when we suffer
is to give thanks. I don’t say this lightly and I know many believers who have
endured unimaginable pain and tragedy.
Giving thanks in the midst of agony and affliction is certainly not easy
to do.
Yet Ephesians 5:20 tells us we should give thanks “always
and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” and
1 Thess 5:18 says to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of
God in Christ Jesus for you.” Giving thanks helps us focus on God in our
affliction, steers us away from complaining, strengthens our faith, and brings
glory to Jesus.
There are many things we can give thanks for when we suffer,
but here are 12 that I try to remember:
1) That God is sovereign and in complete control of the
intensity and the duration of your affliction.
I am God, and
there is no other;
I am God, and
there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient
times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My
counsel shall stand,
and I will
accomplish all my purpose’ Is 46:9-10
2) That God’s love and mercies never cease
The steadfast love
of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never
come to an end;
they are new every
morning;
great is your
faithfulness. Lam 3:22-23
3) That Jesus will never leave nor forsake you.
Keep your life
free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I
will never leave you nor forsake you.” Heb 13:5
4) That God is with you in your affliction
When you pass
through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not
overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the
flame shall not consume you. Is 43:2
5) That God hears your every prayer
The eyes of the
LORD are toward the righteous
and his ears
toward their cry. Ps 34:15
When the righteous
cry for help, the LORD hears
and delivers them
out of all their troubles. Ps 34:17
6) That God is using this affliction to make you like
Christ.
And we know that
for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are
called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined
to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the
firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:28–29
7) That this affliction is momentary and light compared to
the eternal reward it is producing
For this light
momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all
comparison… 2 Cor 4:17
8) That Jesus is your sympathetic High Priest who intercedes
for you constantly
For we do not have
a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in
every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Heb 4:15
Consequently, he
is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since
he always lives to make intercession for them. Heb 7:25
9) That God is near you in your pain
The LORD is near
to the brokenhearted
and saves the
crushed in spirit. Ps 34:18
10) That Jesus is your refuge, strength, and strong tower you
can run to.
God is our refuge
and strength, a very present help in trouble. Ps 46:1, ESV
The name of the
LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Pr 18:10
11) That God has saved you, washed away your sins, and adopted
you as his own child.
Blessed are those
whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Rom 4:7
12) That someday Jesus will wipe away every tear from your
eyes and you will see his glorious face.
He will wipe away
every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be
mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Rev 21:4
Written by Mark Altrogge
Mark Altrogge has
been senior pastor of Saving Grace Church of Indiana, Pennsylvania, since 1982.
He has written hundreds of songs for worship, including “I Stand in Awe” and
“I’m Forever Grateful.” Mark and his wife, Kristi, have five children and five
grandchildren.
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