In this fallen world, suffering is inevitable. But one of the great benefits of being a Christian is that Scripture teaches us what our suffering is for.
In Romans 8, we are taught by the Apostle Paul that “All of creation groans…” for it was subjected to futility after man’s first sin. But the Apostle also says that creation was subjected by God in hope. This groaning is not one of absolute despair, but of expectation, as a mother who experiences birth pains, laboring for the delight of a newborn child (vv. 18–22).
What is the hope for creation and for us in our groaning under trials and tribulations? Scripture teaches that they are all leading us to our final deliverance from decay and the redemption of all things in Christ (Rom. 8:21–23).
In this room right now, there are a number of people who are suffering. There are brothers and sisters experiencing various degrees of chronic illness, financial hardships, relational strains, and mourning the death of loved ones.
A few of these trials are public and in plain sight—you are well aware of them—while others are more hidden from view except to those closest. But none of them are hidden from Christ. He is ever-present in and over your suffering. Not as a distant, uncaring Lord—but as your Savior who bodily suffered Himself on your behalf.
While you do not have the power to change or remove your trials, Christ’s call to you is to allow them to press you into Him.
This is not a call to Stoic indifference or fake smiles—let the waves of affliction hit. But in the midst of the storm, you must remember who has the power over the waves and who ultimately stands at the helm of your boat (Mk. 4:35–41). There is not one rogue wave in the world, but they all come as painful yet perfect gifts from your good God.
You may not fully understand them in this life, but the Christian confidence you can have is that they are conforming you to Christ, and carrying you to that golden shore, where joy and gladness reign, and sorrow and sighing forever fade away (Isa. 51:11).
This exhortation was given on July 6, AD 2025 at King’s Cross Church in Moscow, Idaho.