We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 2 Corinthians 4:8-12
“It pleased God to bring the Apostle Paul into most painful and trying conditions. Hear him: “We are troubled on every side!” there was the sadness of his condition; “but not distressed,” there was his contentment: “we are perplexed,” there was his sadness; ” but not in despair,” there was his contentment : he could say, “In prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.” Yet he could add, ” I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Paul, in regard to his faith, was like a cedar — he could not be moved; but in vicissitudes he was like a reed, bending contentedly to every wind of Providence: when a gale of prosperity blew upon him, he could bend to that; when the tempest of trial raged, he could bend to that. “I know both how to be full, and how to be abased.” A Christian, having cast anchor in heaven, his heart never sinks; a gracious spirit is a contented spirit.”
Thomas Watson in Puritan Gems; or, Wise and Holy Saying of the Rev. Thomas Watson, Anglican Minister. edited and arranged by the Rev. John Adey (London: Snow and Ward, 1850) 27-28.
I am reading through this classic book as I prepare for my flight back to the States and I can’t get past the first three words. “It pleased God…”
Whatever happens after that, for us, should be “all good” or “no worries” as they say in Australia.
I am soaking today in the goodness of God to bring us trials. You might say, “How are trials in any way good.” The answer is and must always be, “It pleased God.”
Look what Paul went through. And notice, he tells us why we go through tough times.
Look at the purpose clause, in Greek introduced by the “so that” marker. “so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” We go through trials so that Christ’s life may be seen in us.
But this one has a double “so that” clause. It adds “For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.”
It repeats the same idea. Why? Repetition aims to make a point.
It pleases God to allow us to experience trials to keep us humble, to accomplish good, and to reveal Christ through us. May His generosity in allowing hard times just give us more opportunities to bring Him glory.