Missing the Meaning
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NKJV)
It’s a hard lesson to learn that being a believer doesn’t exempt us from experiencing deep pain and difficult problems. Even harder to grasp is the lesson that faithful Christians who serve and love God with all their beings are strategic targets of some of the worst trials and circumstances. We act surprised when people who are faithful stewards are diagnosed with cancer; we stand in confusion when joyful servants experience tragedy; we say “why me?” when we are suffering, all as if God’s Word doesn’t say we will have trouble.
The Bible is clear in telling us that the god of this world is determined to take us out. The Bible, although written centuries ago, is still accurate and relevant. I think sometimes we see Christ’s sufferings as occurring in a vacuum, but they were - very much so - real and of this world. He experienced the same pain by way of nerve receptors, complex feelings of despair and betrayal, and physical and mental exhaustion that we do today (although, I can only imagine that He experienced it on a much greater level). He was attacked and tempted by the enemy just as we are. If He was not exempt from those things, certainly we cannot expect to be.
When we encounter sickness, tragedy, pain, or hard times, although they are to be expected, we are often blindsided. Sometimes, we will find ourselves in a small bubble where only we and our issue(s) exists. We feel that no one understands life in our bubbles, no one can comprehend the emotions we are feeling, and no one can help us. We can also become self-righteous in our bubbles and fall into the belief that we are superior because of our ability to endure through the struggles. Some of us feel more comfortable in this bubble and will choose remain in it even if given the opportunity to be free.
This bubble is where we miss the meaning of our suffering, because we cannot see beyond this imaginary sphere. We are so blind to any goodness of God in the situation(s). In this bubble, we ask why, but we don’t allow room for an answer. We cry out to God, but only accept His help if it comes in the way we want. This is where we magnify the problem, the attack, the enemy and forget about the One who is holding it all - including the bubble - in His hands. Here, victory does not exist, and God cannot be glorified.
The breaking out of the bubble is where peace and joy lie. Outside of the bubble is where we can face the situation - regardless of how difficult it is - with rejoicing and with the understanding that we don’t understand, but God is working it all out. This is where the meaning is; outside of you and your situation lies the bigger picture, the divine enactment, the fulfillment of His plan.
Jesus experienced the pain, sorrow, and misdeeds of the world - that’s why He wept (nope, it actually wasn’t because Lazarus was dead). That’s also why He deeply understood the need for Him to fulfill His Father’s promise. His time on earth was not spent in a bubble; He knew His interactions were a part of the bigger plan. Even His torment and suffering were purposefully put on display.
It is so incredibly easy to cut ourselves off from the world when we are going through difficult seasons. It’s natural for us to turn inward to protect ourselves from any further harm. The problem is that in that place we are unable to see, or even believe, what God’s intended purpose for our situation is. God’s plan is always better than our own. We have to be careful not to self-sabotage for the sake our the bubbles’ comfort. There’s meaning in what we are all going through - we just have to be willing to step out to find it.