Seeing God Through Pain
by Dr. John Barnett

Remember those events God used in Acts 16? Events that led to the founding of the church that received Paul's letter to the Philippians are centered around a jail... a prison. God never wastes suffering.

Point One: The Indeflectable Loyalty Of Paul

Acts 20:24 "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." (NKJV)

Point Two: The Invaluable Lessons Of Pain

Philippians 4:11-13 "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (NKJV)

The Lord's purpose for pain is that suffering for God enables us to experience:

1. The Song Giving Power of God Acts 16

2. The Sight giving Power of God

Job 42:5-6 "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes." (NKJV)

Our Response To The Pain

Acts 16:12-40 - Paul got squished, he is suffering. Think of a sustained beating with sticks by a skilled executioner and beater [deep cuts, infection, fever, cramps, sore back, joints, stiffness, lack of sleep].

Reflections on Personal Pain:

• Pain of any kind (emotional, physically, financial, etc...) should not stop us, only reorient our hearts with Heaven our eternal home.
• Hatred toward those who might be responsible for the pain I'm feeling should not paralyze us, but refocus us on God the source of true love.
• Adversity shouldn't surprise us, but remind us of who we are following, Jesus the man of sorrows.

Our Submission To The Plan

Accept (this is the key world – accept) suffering from God. Take a moment to read 1 Thess 3:3-8.

In Acts 16:40 and into Acts 17 Paul walks 97 miles [Philippi to Amphipolis is 30 miles, to Apollonia is 30 miles, and to Thessalonica is 37 miles] in a weakened state from pain, blood loss and stiffness. He has welts, ugly purple scars and the memories of that mob filled with rage coming on him in a fury. He goes to Thessalonica hot and dusty. It took three to four days at 3 mph to get there. Now, in the city he goes to the public baths, disrobes and the rumors start. Who but a dangerous criminal or runaway slave would have had such a severe beating?

Reflections on God's Plan:

• God has a purpose, He never moves without purpose or plan. He is sovereign in ALL areas of life. God took Job on a divinely guided tour of pain and all along the way personally teaches him, revealing Himself to Job in the end.
• God has the perspective, He sees things from the perspective of heaven and eternity.
• God has a program, and has told us that suffering is part of the plan and not to be avoided.

How Does God Use Affliction In Our Lives?

• Affliction makes us see God's Word more clearly. Psalm 119:50
• Affliction makes us see God's path more clearly. Psalm 119:67
• Affliction makes us see God's plan more clearly. Psalm 119:71
• Affliction makes us see God's righteousness more clearly. Psalm 119:75
• Affliction makes us see God's source of hope more clearly. Psalm 119:92
• Affliction makes us see God's offer of revival more clearly. Psalm 119:107
• Affliction makes us see God's ability to rescue us more clearly. Psalm 119:153

Finally, in the late autumn of life sits the Apostle who dominates the early years of the church. Here awaiting execution in this most undesirable spot is Saint Paul. Look at his last words from this very spot...II Timothy 4:6-8, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

How did he make through so many terrible situations? He had learned those six secrets we would do well to hear and learn:

• His Contentment was from God For I am now ready to be offered
• His Confidence was in God and the time of my departure is at hand
• His Courage was for God I have fought a good fight
• His Faithfulness was to God I have finished my course
• His Fidelity was of God I have kept the faith
• His Focus was on God Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Thursday, January 01, 2009