Book Summary:
Preparations for Suffering is one of Flavel's most notable works, offering a profound exploration of the concept of suffering from a Christian perspective. In this text, Flavel provides guidance on how believers can prepare themselves spiritually and mentally for the inevitable hardships and sufferings they may encounter in life. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith, engaging in prayer, and seeking to understand God's will, even in the face of adversity. Flavel's work serves as a reminder that suffering is a part of the human experience and that it can be endured with grace and resilience when one is anchored in their faith.
Preparations for Suffering
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John Flavel was an English Presbyterian clergyman, puritan, and author known for his significant contributions to religious literature during the 17th century. Born in 1627, he was a devout man who dedicated his life to the church and his writings often focused on practical and spiritual themes. His works were deeply rooted in the principles of the Presbyterian faith, which emphasized the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures, and the necessity of grace through faith in Christ.
Letter to the Reader,
The wise Gerson once noted (back when the world was a lot younger than it is now) that the world, like old people, becomes eccentric and whimsical in its old age. Nothing proves this point more than the baseless dreams and illusions of peace and ongoing prosperity that people entertain, even when the sins of the times are so severe, and the signs of the times are as grim and threatening as they are.
This guide isn't meant to scare anyone with made-up dangers, or to stir up jealousy and discontent. It's really sad that when we see signs of God's anger, many of us just criticize and complain loudly, instead of feeling sorry for our own mistakes and getting ready to face our own challenges, and follow Christ's example of suffering. That's the only goal of this text.
We read about the early believers who suffered, but we don't really prepare ourselves to follow their example. Some people criticize them for being too willing to sacrifice their lives, while others praise their bravery and determination. But where are the people who truly decide and prepare to follow those who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises mentioned in Hebrews 6:12? Or who take them as an "example of suffering, affliction, and "of patience," as mentioned in James 5:10?
It's as important for us to wake up from our comfortable but harmful slumber in a timely manner as it is our responsibility. Problems become much more overwhelming and unbearable when they catch us off guard. Just as expecting a good thing can lessen its joy by taking away some of its sweetness before it actually happens, anticipating troubles can reduce their fear and terror. By getting used to the idea of them beforehand and preparing for them, we find that they're not as painful, shocking, or unbearable when they actually happen.
This was vividly demonstrated to us by the holy Mr. Bradford, who was martyred. When the jailer's wife rushed into his room, she said, 'Oh, Mr. Bradford, I bring you terrible news. Tomorrow, you will be executed. Your chain is being purchased right now, and soon you'll be taken to Newgate.' He removed his hat, looked up to the sky, and said, 'Oh Lord, I thank you for this; I've been expecting it for a long time. It doesn't come as a surprise to me. May the Lord make me worthy of it.' This example clearly shows the unique benefit of being prepared and ready.
Reader, life's hardships can be a tough pill to swallow. It's essential that we find ways to make these experiences more bearable so that we can face them with gratitude. This text will give you some guidance on what can help lighten the load and how to go about it.
This content has been shared with the public before, but it's particularly relevant now. I hope it proves useful and supportive to everyone, especially those who are currently facing challenges. That's my sincere wish for you.
Yours and the Church's servant in Christ,
- John Flavel
Acts 21:13: "Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep, and to break my heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Chapter 1
In this part, we'll unpack the text and discuss the doctrine.
God's divine providence is just as evident in guiding the actions of gospel ministers as it is in controlling the movement of the clouds. These ministers, like fruitful clouds, distribute the blessings of the gospel to the world. Just as clouds don't move on their own but are driven by the winds, gospel ministers can't choose their own paths or control their own actions. Instead, they must go where and when God's Spirit and providence guide them. This is clearly demonstrated in the dangerous journey to Jerusalem that the apostle was undertaking at this time, as mentioned in Acts 20:22. He said, "And now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit to Jerusalem." Here, he's comparing himself to the water vapors that are held within clouds and moved by the wind. This journey was fraught with danger. Paul knew that his mission wasn't just to spread the gospel in Jerusalem through his teachings, but also to strengthen it with his own blood. However, his will was so aligned with God's will that he willingly accepted his duty, regardless of the difficulties and dangers that came with it.
Indeed, he had a significant advantage because God's will was so clearly and convincingly revealed to him regarding this issue. As soon as he started to follow God's call, he was immediately faced with many strong temptations to ignore it.
The first obstacle he encountered was from the followers of Tyre. Claiming to speak through the Spirit, they told Paul not to go to Jerusalem, as mentioned in Acts 21:4. The Lord was testing his apostle's spirit through this, much like he tested the young prophet traveling from Judea to Bethel in 1 Kings 13:18, but without the same outcome.
Paul's next setback happened in Caesarea, where Agabus (who Dorotheus claims was one of the seventy-two disciples and had previously predicted the famine during Claudius's reign, which indeed happened) took Paul's belt and tied his own hands and feet with it. He then said, "Thus saith the Holy Ghost, so shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this belt, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles," as recorded in Acts 21:11. Agabus was certainly aware of what would happen if he fell into their hands, but this didn't deter him from his duty.
But finally, the toughest test came from his closest friends. They pleaded with him, crying and begging him not to go on that journey. They just couldn't bear to lose such a great leader like Paul! This really got to him, almost breaking his heart. However, it was easier to break his heart than to divert him from his path of obedience. By the way, we can note two things from this:
First, we should understand that it's divine command, not fate, that should guide our responsibilities and actions.
Secondly, no obstacles or discouragements, no matter what they are, can justify us ignoring a duty we know we have.
He brushes off all these obstacles and overcomes all these setbacks. He does this with the brave and truly Christian determination found in the text: "What mean ye to weep, and to break my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus."
So, what words do we have?
1. A kind and gentle criticism.
2. A soothing and calming argument.
First, he gently and lovingly scolds them for their excessive and intense grief over his departure, saying, "What mean ye to weep, and to break my heart?" It's as if he's asking, "What's the point of all these passionate pleas and tempting tears? What's all this fuss about?" They're nothing more than Satan's traps, trying to divert my heart from the path of obedience. You're doing everything you can to break my heart; please, I beg you, stop this.
Secondly, he works hard to soothe their wild emotions with a very calming argument; "For I am ready," etc. I am prepared and equipped for the greatest hardships that may come my way in the course of my duty. Whether it's imprisonment or death, I'm ready for either. Freedom is precious, and life is even more so, but Christ is more precious than either.
But what's in all this that could appease those who were troubled by his eagerness? If we really think about it, we'll find several aspects in these words that could calm their worries and make them more willing to let him go.
First off, I'm ready. In other words, God has prepared my heart to endure the toughest trials. This is God's doing: without His influence, our human nature would never be able to handle this. Our desires and tendencies need to be tamed and guided by God's Spirit. So, what are you doing in all of this, if not working against God's plan, who has prepared my heart for this task?
Secondly, I'm all set; meaning, I'm fully determined and my mind is made up. You can't possibly harm me more than by trying to unsettle and disrupt my resolve, by throwing such temptations my way, causing my physical desires to revolt and the inner adversary to resume his resistance.
Thirdly, I'm prepared. What I mean is, I'm so committed to answering God's call that no matter what happens to me, all your tears and pleas won't change a thing. They're just wasted; they can't change my firm decision. It would be better for you to just calm down and happily let me follow God's will.
So, you see how Paul's spirit was prepared to accept both imprisonment and death for Christ in Jerusalem. This preparation made him victorious over the temptations of friends, and the malice and cruelty of his enemies. It was this readiness and mental preparation that carried him through everything and allowed him to finish his journey with joy. The point to note here is,
Doctrine: It's truly a wonderful and beneficial thing for God's followers to be prepared and equipped for the toughest tasks and the worst hardships that God might ask them to face.
This is what every kind-hearted person is striving for, praying, and working hard to achieve. But, oh! How few will actually get there! Surely, among the many people who claim to be followers in this generation, not many can confidently say, like Paul once did, "I am ready to be bound, or to die for Christ."
Chapter 2
Even though God doesn't enjoy causing his people pain, there are times when he puts them through intense and difficult hardships. This shows that, despite God not taking pleasure in causing his people distress, he sometimes subjects them to severe and painful trials. Here's a brief explanation of why and how he does this.
God's love and compassion for his people is incredibly vast and gentle, as Psalm 103:13 says, "Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." He doesn't take pleasure in causing them pain or distress. Lamentations 3:33 tells us, "He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone."
The Bible suggests a kind of tension between God's justice and mercy when he's on the verge of handing his people over to their enemies. In Hosea 11:8-9, God says, "How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused." This shows us how reluctant and unwilling God is to carry out such actions.
Judgment is not God's preferred action; he'd rather show mercy to his children. That's why, when he's about to carry out his judgments, he often delays as long as his name's honor and his people's safety allow, as Jeremiah 44:23 suggests. He's patient until he can't be anymore, often holding back his anger, as Psalm 78:38-39 tells us. He uses smaller judgments and gentler corrections to avoid harsher ones, as Amos 4:6 suggests.
When his people show humility under the threat of his wrath, his heart is filled with compassion for them, as Jeremiah 31:17, 20 tells us. And whenever his mercy wins over judgment, it's a cause for joy and celebration, as James 2:13 says, "Mercy triumphs over judgment."
He feels a deep compassion for them, a yearning that comes from within. He can foresee the future, but has no intention of satisfying the arrogant pride of his and their enemies. Deut. 32:26, 27 says, "I said I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men, were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, etc."
Despite all this, it often happens that due to the actions of his children, God allows them to fall into the hands of their enemies. This is done to correct their wrongdoings and to display his own glory. Seneca, even though he was a pagan, said that God loves his people with a strong, masculine love, not with a soft, feminine indulgence. If necessary, they will face many trials and tribulations, as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:6. God prefers their hearts to be burdened with adversity rather than being frivolous and careless in prosperity. The most exceptional individuals have faced the harshest sufferings, and those who now shine like stars in heaven have been trampled on earth like dirt. In 1 Corinthians 4:11, 12, 13, it says, "Even to this present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now." The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is a summary of the various and severe sufferings of the early saints: "They were tortured, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated, of whom the world was not worthy, wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground." And since the earth has absorbed those rivers of precious blood mentioned in the sacred records, how many seas of Christian blood have been shed by brutal persecutors since those days? History tells us that in the first ten persecutions, so many of Jesus Christ's saints and martyrs were killed that you could count five thousand for every day of the year. Those brutal emperors took pleasure in the death of God's dearest saints; many precious Christians were burned at night in Rome to serve as torches to light their enemies' way through the streets. Eight hundred thousand martyrs have been recorded in the span of thirty years since the rise of the Jesuits.
Can you imagine the terrible hardships that the Lord allowed those devoted followers of Christ, the Waldenses and Albigenses, to endure? These were the people who saw the light of reformation around the year 1260, during a time when the world was shrouded in the darkness of anti-Christian beliefs. They were a group of people who were wise, as evidenced by their letters, catechisms, and confessions that still exist today. They were simple, straightforward, and harmless in their behavior. Yet, can you believe the level of anger and violence that the wicked Pope Pius used to persecute them? He drove them to their destruction, forcing them into the woods and mountains. Only the elderly and children who couldn't escape were left behind, and they were brutally killed. Some starved to death in caves and rock crevices; others were tortured on the rack for eight continuous hours. Some were beaten with iron rods, while others were thrown from the tops of tall towers, their bodies shattered on impact.
What a mess and bloodbath France, Ireland, and England have become due to the brutalities of the Catholic Church! There's so much more that could be said about each country's history that would be too distressing for sensitive readers. But remember, what has happened before can happen again. We're no better than our ancestors, and it seems like dark clouds of anger are gathering above us, threatening to unleash double the destruction. If God decides to let these clouds burst, we can't expect the fury of Satan to have lessened, especially now that his reign is nearing its end, as mentioned in Revelation 12:12. His tools of destruction haven't become any less cruel or effective. Sure, we've had a long period of peace, and the current generation knows about martyrdom mostly from history books. But don't fool yourself into thinking that this peace will last forever without any solid reason. Augustine suggested that the bloody sweat that covered Jesus' body in the garden represented the severe suffering he would later endure through his followers. This idea is supported by Colossians 1:24, which refers to these experiences as the remaining sufferings of Christ. While Christ's personal suffering ended with his resurrection, the suffering of his followers hasn't. His suffering appeased God's anger, but the suffering of his followers hasn't yet satisfied the wrath of humanity. Even though countless saints have given their lives for Christ and are now pleading for justice, there are still many more who will follow the same path of persecution. More Christian blood will be spilled before God's plan is complete. Despite the current period of peace, it seems like the storm clouds are gathering again.
So, you can see that God sometimes calls his most beloved followers to endure severe suffering. God is said to call his followers to suffer when he puts them in a situation where the only way to avoid suffering is by committing a sin. When we find ourselves in such a situation, we should take it as a sign of God's will. We can't expect to receive special calls to suffer like some saints did in the past (Genesis 22:2, Acts 9:16). But when we're cornered by circumstances and the only way to avoid suffering is by breaking God's commandments, we should see it as God's call to endure suffering.
If you're wondering why a merciful God would put his followers in a path of suffering, understand that he does so for two reasons:
1. Show his own glory. And,
2. Promote his people's happiness.
Firstly, this is how the all-wise God showcases the glory of His name, clarifying the righteousness of His actions through the trials endured by His own people. Through this, the world will see that no matter how much He loves them, He won't tolerate or endorse their sins. If they choose to misuse His blessings, He will fairly make them pay for their sins. And through these very trials, He will ensure His own glory, which was obscured by their actions in the eyes of the world. He doesn't hate sin any less just because it's found in His own people, as stated in Amos 3:2. And although He will forgive their sins to highlight His mercy, He will also punish their wrongdoings to uphold His righteousness, as mentioned in Psalm 99:8.
Moreover, by allowing his people to endure such severe hardships, he creates the perfect chance to showcase the glory of his power in supporting them, and his wisdom, in the amazing ways they escape and are saved. It's one of the world's greatest marvels, how the church survives despite the intense and frequent attacks it faces from its enemies. "I will turn aside (said Moses) and see this great sight, why the bush is not consumed," Ex. 3:3. That burning bush was a vivid symbol of the oppressed church in Egypt; the crackling flames represented the intensity of their persecution, while the bush remaining unscathed in the flames, signified the remarkable power of God in preserving them: No people are as privileged, protected, or saved, as God's people. Even less opposition than what the church has faced, has toppled and completely destroyed the world's powerful monarchies.
It's truly amazing to see the wisdom of God, as He thwarts and defeats the most cunning and dangerous plans of evil, aimed at His humble followers. Now, you can witness the supremely wise God outsmarting a spiteful and crafty devil, instantly dismantling the intricate schemes and plots that took years to devise, just as they're about to be executed, as seen in Esther 6:1. He traps the wicked in the consequences of their own actions; their own words become their downfall. He orchestrates such incredible rescues with His own hand, leaving them in awe and wonder, as in Psalms 126:1. "When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed."
Secondly, just as God ensures his own glory through the trials and tribulations of his people, he also enhances their happiness and significantly furthers their interests in the process.
So, first off, these challenges are arranged as numerous opportunities and methods to eliminate the corruption in their hearts. Even the best soil has weeds popping up that require harsh winter conditions to destroy them. And, without a doubt, if we consider humility, heavenly-mindedness, disregard for worldly things, and a deep yearning for heaven to be the true benefits and advantages of the church, then it's clear that nothing promotes their interests more than enduring hardships. Adversity eliminates the corruption that prosperity creates.
Secondly, these trials clarify their sincerity, bringing joy and satisfaction to their own hearts. Many doubts and fears that had long confused and troubled them are eliminated and addressed. When adversity has tested them and they've seen what their own hearts are made of, one intense trial where God helps us stay true, can do more to alleviate our fears and settle our doubts than all the sermons we've ever heard in our lives could.
Thirdly, the church's sufferings and trials are meant to rid it of a large number of hypocrites, who are both a disgrace and a burden, as stated in Amos 9:9, 10. Hardship acts like a furnace, separating the worthless material from the pure and valuable gold. The church's prosperity breeds a lot of hypocrites, just like flies multiply in the heat of summer, but harsh conditions wipe them out. Many flashy individuals grow within the church, like beautiful flowers in a field, standing tall during times of peace and prosperity, showing off their talents and declarations. But when the wind blows over them, they disappear, and their spots will no longer recognize them, similar to what's mentioned in Psalm 103:16. Thunder and lightning can be very frightening, but they're extremely beneficial in purifying and cleaning the air.
Fourthly, the struggles the church faces are organized and sanctified to make them more dear to each other. Times of shared hardship often bring about reconciliation and deepen the bond among God's people. They become more cherished when they are most persecuted, and more united when they are most dispersed, as stated in Malachi 3:17, "Then they that feared the Lord, spoke often one to another." There's something about sharing the same struggles that makes our bond stronger and more engaging. But even more significant are the revelations that persecution brings about the sincerity of our hearts, which may have previously been filled with doubt. Moreover, the lessons learned from these hardships humble us for our arrogance, indulgence, and bitterness towards each other. They make us plead, acknowledging our past wrongdoings, as stated in Psalm 70:8, "Remember not against us former iniquities."
Finally, these struggles and hardships serve as a wake-up call, reminding people of their responsibilities and inspiring them to pray more often, more sincerely, and with more passion. It's amazing how easily complacency and routine can sneak into even the most devoted hearts during times of peace and prosperity. But when the storm hits and the sea becomes rough and wild, that's when they call out like the disciples did to Christ, saying, "Lord, save us, we perish." They say music sounds its sweetest over water; I'm convinced that the most beautiful prayers are those said in the midst of deep suffering. For these and many other righteous, wise, and holy reasons, God allows and orchestrates the trials and tribulations of his followers.
Chapter 3
Even though God doesn't enjoy causing his people pain, there are times when he puts them through intense and difficult hardships. This shows that, despite God not taking pleasure in causing his people distress, he sometimes subjects them to severe and painful trials. Here's a brief explanation of why and how he does this.
God's love and compassion for his people is incredibly vast and gentle, as Psalm 103:13 says, "Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." He doesn't take pleasure in causing them pain or distress. Lamentations 3:33 tells us, "He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone."
The Bible suggests a kind of tension between God's justice and mercy when he's on the verge of handing his people over to their enemies. In Hosea 11:8-9, God says, "How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused." This shows us how reluctant and unwilling God is to carry out such actions.
Judgment is not God's preferred action; he'd rather show mercy to his children. That's why, when he's about to carry out his judgments, he often delays as long as his name's honor and his people's safety allow, as Jeremiah 44:23 suggests. He's patient until he can't be anymore, often holding back his anger, as Psalm 78:38-39 tells us. He uses smaller judgments and gentler corrections to avoid harsher ones, as Amos 4:6 suggests.
When his people show humility under the threat of his wrath, his heart is filled with compassion for them, as Jeremiah 31:17, 20 tells us. And whenever his mercy wins over judgment, it's a cause for joy and celebration, as James 2:13 says, "Mercy triumphs over judgment."
He feels a deep compassion for them, a yearning that comes from within. He can foresee the future, but has no intention of satisfying the arrogant pride of his and their enemies. Deut. 32:26, 27 says, "I said I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men, were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, etc."
Despite all this, it often happens that due to the actions of his children, God allows them to fall into the hands of their enemies. This is done to correct their wrongdoings and to display his own glory. Seneca, even though he was a pagan, said that God loves his people with a strong, masculine love, not with a soft, feminine indulgence. If necessary, they will face many trials and tribulations, as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:6. God prefers their hearts to be burdened with adversity rather than being frivolous and careless in prosperity. The most exceptional individuals have faced the harshest sufferings, and those who now shine like stars in heaven have been trampled on earth like dirt. In 1 Corinthians 4:11, 12, 13, it says, "Even to this present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now." The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is a summary of the various and severe sufferings of the early saints: "They were tortured, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated, of whom the world was not worthy, wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground." And since the earth has absorbed those rivers of precious blood mentioned in the sacred records, how many seas of Christian blood have been shed by brutal persecutors since those days? History tells us that in the first ten persecutions, so many of Jesus Christ's saints and martyrs were killed that you could count five thousand for every day of the year. Those brutal emperors took pleasure in the death of God's dearest saints; many precious Christians were burned at night in Rome to serve as torches to light their enemies' way through the streets. Eight hundred thousand martyrs have been recorded in the span of thirty years since the rise of the Jesuits.
Can you imagine the terrible hardships that the Lord allowed those devoted followers of Christ, the Waldenses and Albigenses, to endure? These were the people who saw the light of reformation around the year 1260, during a time when the world was shrouded in the darkness of anti-Christian beliefs. They were a group of people who were wise, as evidenced by their letters, catechisms, and confessions that still exist today. They were simple, straightforward, and harmless in their behavior. Yet, can you believe the level of anger and violence that the wicked Pope Pius used to persecute them? He drove them to their destruction, forcing them into the woods and mountains. Only the elderly and children who couldn't escape were left behind, and they were brutally killed. Some starved to death in caves and rock crevices; others were tortured on the rack for eight continuous hours. Some were beaten with iron rods, while others were thrown from the tops of tall towers, their bodies shattered on impact.
What a mess and bloodbath France, Ireland, and England have become due to the brutalities of the Catholic Church! There's so much more that could be said about each country's history that would be too distressing for sensitive readers. But remember, what has happened before can happen again. We're no better than our ancestors, and it seems like dark clouds of anger are gathering above us, threatening to unleash double the destruction. If God decides to let these clouds burst, we can't expect the fury of Satan to have lessened, especially now that his reign is nearing its end, as mentioned in Revelation 12:12. His tools of destruction haven't become any less cruel or effective. Sure, we've had a long period of peace, and the current generation knows about martyrdom mostly from history books. But don't fool yourself into thinking that this peace will last forever without any solid reason. Augustine suggested that the bloody sweat that covered Jesus' body in the garden represented the severe suffering he would later endure through his followers. This idea is supported by Colossians 1:24, which refers to these experiences as the remaining sufferings of Christ. While Christ's personal suffering ended with his resurrection, the suffering of his followers hasn't. His suffering appeased God's anger, but the suffering of his followers hasn't yet satisfied the wrath of humanity. Even though countless saints have given their lives for Christ and are now pleading for justice, there are still many more who will follow the same path of persecution. More Christian blood will be spilled before God's plan is complete. Despite the current period of peace, it seems like the storm clouds are gathering again.
So, you can see that God sometimes calls his most beloved followers to endure severe suffering. God is said to call his followers to suffer when he puts them in a situation where the only way to avoid suffering is by committing a sin. When we find ourselves in such a situation, we should take it as a sign of God's will. We can't expect to receive special calls to suffer like some saints did in the past (Genesis 22:2, Acts 9:16). But when we're cornered by circumstances and the only way to avoid suffering is by breaking God's commandments, we should see it as God's call to endure suffering.
If you're wondering why a merciful God would put his followers in a path of suffering, understand that he does so for two reasons:
1. Show his own glory. And,
2. Promote his people's happiness.
Firstly, this is how the all-wise God showcases the glory of His name, clarifying the righteousness of His actions through the trials endured by His own people. Through this, the world will see that no matter how much He loves them, He won't tolerate or endorse their sins. If they choose to misuse His blessings, He will fairly make them pay for their sins. And through these very trials, He will ensure His own glory, which was obscured by their actions in the eyes of the world. He doesn't hate sin any less just because it's found in His own people, as stated in Amos 3:2. And although He will forgive their sins to highlight His mercy, He will also punish their wrongdoings to uphold His righteousness, as mentioned in Psalm 99:8.
Moreover, by allowing his people to endure such severe hardships, he creates the perfect chance to showcase the glory of his power in supporting them, and his wisdom, in the amazing ways they escape and are saved. It's one of the world's greatest marvels, how the church survives despite the intense and frequent attacks it faces from its enemies. "I will turn aside (said Moses) and see this great sight, why the bush is not consumed," Ex. 3:3. That burning bush was a vivid symbol of the oppressed church in Egypt; the crackling flames represented the intensity of their persecution, while the bush remaining unscathed in the flames, signified the remarkable power of God in preserving them: No people are as privileged, protected, or saved, as God's people. Even less opposition than what the church has faced, has toppled and completely destroyed the world's powerful monarchies.
It's truly amazing to see the wisdom of God, as He thwarts and defeats the most cunning and dangerous plans of evil, aimed at His humble followers. Now, you can witness the supremely wise God outsmarting a spiteful and crafty devil, instantly dismantling the intricate schemes and plots that took years to devise, just as they're about to be executed, as seen in Esther 6:1. He traps the wicked in the consequences of their own actions; their own words become their downfall. He orchestrates such incredible rescues with His own hand, leaving them in awe and wonder, as in Psalms 126:1. "When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed."
Secondly, just as God ensures his own glory through the trials and tribulations of his people, he also enhances their happiness and significantly furthers their interests in the process.
So, first off, these challenges are arranged as numerous opportunities and methods to eliminate the corruption in their hearts. Even the best soil has weeds popping up that require harsh winter conditions to destroy them. And, without a doubt, if we consider humility, heavenly-mindedness, disregard for worldly things, and a deep yearning for heaven to be the true benefits and advantages of the church, then it's clear that nothing promotes their interests more than enduring hardships. Adversity eliminates the corruption that prosperity creates.
Secondly, these trials clarify their sincerity, bringing joy and satisfaction to their own hearts. Many doubts and fears that had long confused and troubled them are eliminated and addressed. When adversity has tested them and they've seen what their own hearts are made of, one intense trial where God helps us stay true, can do more to alleviate our fears and settle our doubts than all the sermons we've ever heard in our lives could.
Thirdly, the church's sufferings and trials are meant to rid it of a large number of hypocrites, who are both a disgrace and a burden, as stated in Amos 9:9, 10. Hardship acts like a furnace, separating the worthless material from the pure and valuable gold. The church's prosperity breeds a lot of hypocrites, just like flies multiply in the heat of summer, but harsh conditions wipe them out. Many flashy individuals grow within the church, like beautiful flowers in a field, standing tall during times of peace and prosperity, showing off their talents and declarations. But when the wind blows over them, they disappear, and their spots will no longer recognize them, similar to what's mentioned in Psalm 103:16. Thunder and lightning can be very frightening, but they're extremely beneficial in purifying and cleaning the air.
Fourthly, the struggles the church faces are organized and sanctified to make them more dear to each other. Times of shared hardship often bring about reconciliation and deepen the bond among God's people. They become more cherished when they are most persecuted, and more united when they are most dispersed, as stated in Malachi 3:17, "Then they that feared the Lord, spoke often one to another." There's something about sharing the same struggles that makes our bond stronger and more engaging. But even more significant are the revelations that persecution brings about the sincerity of our hearts, which may have previously been filled with doubt. Moreover, the lessons learned from these hardships humble us for our arrogance, indulgence, and bitterness towards each other. They make us plead, acknowledging our past wrongdoings, as stated in Psalm 70:8, "Remember not against us former iniquities."
Finally, these struggles and hardships serve as a wake-up call, reminding people of their responsibilities and inspiring them to pray more often, more sincerely, and with more passion. It's amazing how easily complacency and routine can sneak into even the most devoted hearts during times of peace and prosperity. But when the storm hits and the sea becomes rough and wild, that's when they call out like the disciples did to Christ, saying, "Lord, save us, we perish." They say music sounds its sweetest over water; I'm convinced that the most beautiful prayers are those said in the midst of deep suffering. For these and many other righteous, wise, and holy reasons, God allows and orchestrates the trials and tribulations of his followers.
Chapter 4: Showcasing the Value of a Prepared Heart for Extreme Hardships
This chapter showcases the value of being mentally prepared for the most severe hardships. It emphasizes how wonderful it is to be ready to face any adversity, even imprisonment or death, for the sake of Christ, just like Paul was.
I'm ready. Oh, what a wonderful state of mind! It's tough, but so fulfilling to reach a point where your heart is so resilient! Every Christian can say, I want to be ready, and may God prepare me for hardships; but only a few can confidently say, I'm ready, my heart is prepared and equipped for such a task. Yet, this example shows us that it's possible to reach this state. And how amazing it is to achieve this, the following details will thoroughly convince us.
Firstly, being prepared for hardships can bring a sense of peace and calm to a Christian's heart during tough times, and prevent feelings of anxiety, agitation, and mental turmoil that often make suffering even harder. The more worries, fears, and troubles we anticipate before they actually happen, the more likely we are to remain calm, quiet, and composed when they do occur. It's truly amazing to consider how peacefully and patiently Job handled his troubles. Given the type, intensity, and way they happened, you'd think they would have at least shocked him and thrown his soul (as gracious and self-disciplined as it was) into great chaos and confusion. But the opposite happened: no man's patience has ever triumphed over adversity like Job's. He worshipped God, acknowledged His hand, and surrendered himself to His will, as seen in Job 1:20, 21. And why was this? Surely, if his troubles had caught him off guard, he could never have handled them so well. But during his peaceful and prosperous days, he had prepared for such a day, as mentioned in Job 3:25, 26. "I was not in safety, neither had I rest; yet trouble came; the thing that I feared (says he) is come upon me." He had taken it to heart before it happened, and therefore it neither overwhelmed nor broke his heart when it did happen. Similarly, the prophet Habakkuk stayed on his watch-tower, meaning he used the word of God to make predictions about the likely events of providence, which gave him a clear foresight of the challenging days that were coming. Even though this made him tremble internally, it also gave him peace during the day of evil, as seen in Hab. 3:16, 17, 18.
There are two types of peace during the day of evil, namely:
1. A rest of deliverance.
2. A rest of satisfaction.
It's a real blessing to find peace within yourself; to experience inner calm, even when there's chaos around you. The key to achieving this is to anticipate, prepare for, and accept the possibility of tough times ahead. Unexpected problems can not only be shocking but often devastating. It's a terrible thing to experience hardship before we even have a chance to fear it. Disasters that catch us off guard usually leave us feeling hopeless. An enemy that sneaks up on us has a significant advantage to destroy us. Yet, this is the common reality of life, "For man knoweth not his time, but as the fishes are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth on them suddenly," Eccl.9:12. This is how the old world perished; only Noah had prepared for the flood, and only he and his family survived it. Everyone else was busy living their lives, eating, drinking, marrying, until the flood came and swept them all away, Mat. 24:38. People often fail to use their ability to foresee; just because everything is calm today, they assume it will be the same tomorrow. Those who are comfortable and feel safe are likely to become complacent, dreaming of endless peace and tranquility. They are reluctant to disturb their enjoyment with gloomy thoughts of change and suffering.
Philosophers say that just before an earthquake, the air is incredibly calm and peaceful; and usually, before a heavy rain, the wind is still. Even if the signs of impending events were more positive and promising than they are, there's still enough reason for anyone who's wise at heart to feel apprehensive. This is due to the consideration of the collective guilt that's been accumulated, which will undoubtedly lead to distress and trouble.
Hey fellow Christians, keep an eye out for challenging times; get ready for a storm, and find your safe haven in Christ and His promises. This is crucial if you hope to find rest and peace within yourself when the world around you is filled with chaos and destruction.
Secondly, preparing for hardships is a great way to show the honesty and sincerity of our faith. If you're someone who anticipates hardships, and you're constantly working on your own heart - fighting against your sins, letting go of worldly desires, and strengthening your faith to endure suffering - then you're deciding to stand with Christ, no matter what comes your way. This shows that you've consciously chosen to follow Christ on His terms, and it's likely that you'll be a resilient and victorious Christian.
When it comes to hypocrites, or fair-weather followers of Christ, they either find reasons to avoid the hardships of faith, trying to dodge any potential danger, or they dive headfirst into declaring their faith in Christ without really considering what that commitment entails, as mentioned in Mark 8:34. The importance of a thoughtful and well-informed decision to follow Christ, even when it means suffering and self-denial, is clearly explained by Christ himself in the parable found in Luke 14:25, 26, 27, 28. At that time, a large crowd was following him. Christ was becoming quite popular; people were coming from everywhere to see and hear him. But he knew that if they were to face a serious test of their faith, this large crowd would quickly dwindle, much like Gideon's army, to a small group. So, he decided to be upfront and clear with them. He laid out the conditions of following him, which essentially boil down to, "Let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me." To illustrate the reasonableness of these conditions, he used examples from everyday life: no one with common sense would start building a house without first making sure they had the resources to finish it. Similarly, no sane person would go into battle against a much larger and better-equipped army. The same logic applies to our commitment to Christ; if we're serious about our faith, we need to consider the cost and challenges of being a Christian. We need to be prepared for the worst - including ridicule, imprisonment, and even death - as well as the more pleasant aspects of obedience. If we're willing to take these risks and give up everything else for his sake, and if we can stand firm in times of hardship, then we're truly following Christ and avoiding the pitfall of hypocrisy. The lack of this kind of thoughtful commitment is why so many people abandon their faith when they face trials, giving the devil a chance to mock religion and its more sincere followers. The shallow-rooted believer, who didn't deeply consider and firmly resolve to follow Christ, quickly withers when the heat of persecution comes, as described in Matthew 13:5, 6. And it's to prevent this kind of failure that God often deeply convicts and humbles his people from the start. He makes sin feel incredibly bitter and burdensome to them. He knows that this level of discomfort is necessary to keep them from falling back into sin when they're tempted in the future.
Hey there, teacher! If you're someone who has come to Christ in this way, and have consciously chosen to follow him; if you've considered not only the rewards of his crown but also the burdens of his cross; then you have a clear sign of the sincerity of your heart. There's no greater comfort in the world than that.
Thirdly, the benefit of preparing for hardship is that it helps to eliminate the shock and negative impact of difficult situations, both for ourselves and others.
Firstly, it helps us deal with our own discomfort when we suffer; and according to Christ's own words, a soul is blessed if it doesn't take offense in him, as stated in Matthew 11:6. Among the many who profess their faith, only a few are not bothered by the idea of suffering for Christ. They had hoped for a lot of peace, honor, and prosperity through their religious path, but when these expectations aren't met and their worldly interests are more at risk than protected by their faith in Christ, they back out like those mentioned in John 6:66 and stop following him. It's interesting to note that Christ links the offense people might take in him to the first signs of suffering, as mentioned in Matthew 24:8, 9. "All these are the beginnings of sorrows, and then shall many be offended." It seems that sorrow and turning away from faith start at the same time.
But, if you're the kind of person who likes to anticipate and prepare for tough times, you'll still have a high regard for Christ and his teachings, even when things are at their worst, just like you did when everything was going great. As the Psalmist said, "Great peace have they that love thy law, and nothing shall offend them." What a fortunate soul you are! No troubles, insults, or sufferings can upset you. You might face prison, death, or exile, but none of these things will bother or trip you up. You'll calmly and safely get through them, because they're no more than what you expected and prepared for.
Secondly, by doing this, you'll also avoid causing others to stumble or be scandalized by religious practices. It's a serious and risky thing to be the cause of someone else's stumbling, whether they're weak or wicked. "Woe to the world because of offences, for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh," Mat. 18:7. The backsliding and sinful compromises of unsteady believers and weak Christians during times of temptation can sadly lead others to develop a prejudice against religion, and can even lead to the spiritual downfall of others. Honestly, it would be much better to never profess faith than to do so only to become a stumbling block or a cause of scandal for others. But all this trouble can be avoided if you seriously anticipate and prepare for challenging times.
Fourthly, another great benefit of preparing for hardships is that it can serve as a wake-up call to a complacent world. Imagine if all of God's followers truly committed to this task, living as if they're preparing for a storm, and deciding, with God's strength, to face all risks and difficulties for Christ. I genuinely believe it would do more to shock and convince the world than any sermon they've ever heard. This is because it challenges and undermines all our efforts. We preach about self-sacrifice, disregarding life's comforts, and fighting for Christ's freedom. Even though people hear us talk about the importance and greatness of these principles, and hear you declare them as your own beliefs, there's often a disconnect when they observe the actions of believers during times of danger. There's no correlation between what they profess and how they act. When they see us clinging to worldly comforts, as reluctant to let go as anyone else; when they see us as scared of prisons and suffering as those who don't profess any faith; when they see us flinch at every sign of danger, and not living detached from the world, ready to give it all up for Christ, they conclude that we don't really trust our own principles when push comes to shove. And how can they be convinced to believe in something that they think we don't truly believe in, even though we're trying to persuade them to believe it?
Guys, the world can see what you're capable of, just as it can hear what you have to say. As long as they see you doing the same as everyone else, you can talk until you're blue in the face but they won't believe your way is any better.
But now, when adversity strikes, if people saw you preparing for it, gearing up to face the challenges, holding your most cherished joys in your hands, and readying yourself to follow the Lord through the toughest paths of suffering, this would truly convince them. It would preach about the greatness of Christ, the insignificance of worldly things, the logic and certainty of Christian principles in a way that's more understandable and stirring than all our casual and effortless praises ever did. This is why Noah was said to have condemned the world, as mentioned in Hebrews 11:7. "By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen," i.e., the upcoming flood, even though there were no signs of it yet, the sky was as clear as ever. But believing in God's warning, "He was moved with fear." The fear of God, a result of his faith in God's word, drove him to his duty. It made him start preparing to build an ark, and this is how he condemned the world, leaving them without an excuse. They not only heard about the impending flood from his preaching, but they also saw that he truly believed in what he was preaching, as evidenced by his daily preparations for the flood. Think about this, how much it would convince the world. Now they will see that you are truly committed, and that there is a reality in godliness. This will encourage them to investigate the matter more than ever before, and dispel those biases they have developed against God's righteous ways, as if they were mere illusions and fantasies.
Next up, it's important to note that being prepared and having foresight is a great thing. This is because the Spirit of God always speaks highly of it and gives special recognition to those who possess these qualities. According to God's judgment, these are the only wise people, while the rest, no matter how politically savvy they may seem to others, are considered fools. This is reflected in Proverbs 22:3 and Ecclesiastes 2:14. "The wise man's eyes are in his head;" meaning, he can foresee things; "but the fool goes on, and is punished:" He just rushes into things without thinking, not anticipating any danger he can't currently see, and ends up paying for his recklessness. Listen, there are signs of the times, just like there are signs of the weather, as mentioned in Matthew 16:3. You can see the clouds of judgment gathering before the storm hits you. This is what Zephaniah 2:1, 2 means when it says, "Gather yourselves together, before the decree bring forth, and the day pass as the chaff." When there's a hint of judgment, there will be consequences, unless the actions and prayers of the faithful prevent it. But it takes wisdom to see this; you have to be really observant to spot it from afar. You can do this by looking at what God has done in similar situations in the past, when nations were guilty of the same sins they are now. God is just as fair now as He was then, and He despises sin as much as He always has. You can also discern this by paying attention to the current state of things, like how severe a nation's sins have become, as mentioned in Joel 3:16, or what early signs of judgment are already affecting a people, as precursors of more to come. This is mentioned in Luke 3:30, 31 and 1 Samuel 2:12. Also, pay attention to what God's ministers, who are His watchmen and trumpeters, are saying. They are there to foresee danger and warn about it, as mentioned in Ezekiel 3:17 and Numbers 10:8. When they all start saying the same thing, it's definitely something to take seriously, as mentioned in Luke 1:70. Lastly, consider the prophecies in the scriptures that are yet to be fulfilled. They all have their appointed times and will surely come to pass when their time comes.
By paying attention to these signs, a Christian can make an educated guess about the challenges that are coming towards a nation, and then act accordingly. As it says in Ecclesiastes 8:5, "A wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment." This is considered a significant aspect of wisdom, even in God's judgment. On the other hand, those who are careless and don't pay attention to these signs are considered foolish, and are criticized for being more ignorant than the animals in the field or the birds in the sky. As it says in Matthew 16:3 and Jeremiah 8:7, "The stork in the heavens, the swallow, turtle, and crane," recognize the seasons of departure and return based on the coming of winter and spring. They do this by natural instinct, which helps them survive, otherwise they would perish. Even though God made humans wiser than the birds and animals, who instinctively know when to leave colder climates or seek shelter when winter or storms are coming, it's astonishing to see how sin can make humans act against their own nature. This is especially surprising in rational beings.
But now, if we can foresee this, then there's a unique advantage in our hands. We can either use methods to prevent these impending disasters, as mentioned in Zephaniah 2:3, or if we can't prevent them, we can still find refuge in Christ, as suggested in Micah 5:5. We can turn to the promises and attributes mentioned in Isaiah 24:21 and thus have a solid shelter over our heads while the storm rages and the weather is turbulent outside. So, without a doubt, this preparation is a fantastic thing. Whatever the Spirit of God says in praise of foreseeing troubles, it's in relation to this duty of preparing for them. Because foreseeing troubles without preparing for them only increases the misery, rather than reducing it.
The sixth benefit of preparation is how it can help a Christian stay strong during tough times. You must realize that your ability to stay strong during these challenging moments is a unique and special blessing, as everything you value in the afterlife depends on your resilience during these times, as mentioned in Revelations 21:7, 8, Romans 2:6, 7, and Luke 22:27. You must also be aware of the trials you're likely to face, whether it's from external forces as mentioned in Ephesians 6:12, or your own weaknesses, which have caused you to stumble in smaller trials as per Jeremiah 12:5. All the grace you have will barely be enough to keep you standing and prevent you from falling; therefore, it's a wonderful thing to be able to stand strong and face the biggest challenges during these testing times. The person who hopes to do this must "put on the whole armour of God," as mentioned in Ephesians 6:12, 13, 14. There's no hope of staying strong during tough times unless you're prepared, that is, your will is strengthened with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
It's true that our ability to stand isn't due to our own inherent grace. "For by his strength shall no man prevail," as stated in 1 Sam. 2:9. But it's equally true that without grace, both within us and ready for a storm, we can't hope to stand. These two types of grace - the one within us and the one that supports and prepares us - aren't opposed, but work together. The grace within us is the weapon that defeats our enemy, but that weapon must be wielded by the hand of the Spirit. So, consider this a special blessing that greatly contributes to your stability.
A seventh great quality of a prepared heart is that it's a powerful demonstration of our love for Jesus Christ. When we willingly choose to share in his experiences and follow him wherever he leads, it's a profound expression of love. Just like Ruth showed her love for her mother Naomi when she said, "I will not go back, but where thou lodgest I will lodge, and where thou goest I will go." It's truly remarkable when someone can say to Christ, like Ittai said to David in 2 Samuel 15:21, "Surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or in life, even there also will thy servant be." This is real love, sticking with him even in times of distress and danger. This is "love which the waters cannot quench, nor the floods drown," as stated in Song of Solomon 8:7. If you truly love Christ, prove it by showing some evidence of it; and this is indeed a prime example and proof of it. Many people claim to love Christ, but when put to the test, their love proves to be false and insincere; it's all talk when there's no danger nearby. But those who are ready to follow him through hardships and difficulties, they truly love him, as stated in Jeremiah 2:2, 3. Friends, this is one of the best ways to show your love for Christ. It's such a powerful demonstration of love that even angels can't match. They show their love by their readiness to do his will, moving as if they have wings, as described in Ezekiel 1:24. But only you have the privilege of showing your love by your readiness to suffer for him. Isn't that amazing?
When you're mentally prepared to endure the worst hardships, it suggests that you've surrendered your will to God's will. This is crucial because until you've done this to a significant extent, you won't be truly ready to suffer for Him. Now, having your will transformed by grace to align with God's will is a truly remarkable state to be in. This is where the real power of grace lies. The faculty where sin was most powerful is the same place where the power of grace resides after conversion. Before conversion, the will was the stronghold of sin. See John 5:40, Psalm 81:11, and Jeremiah 44:16, 17. This stronghold was what the devil held onto, which Christ, in His power, storms and brings under His control, as mentioned in Psalm 110:3. Isn't this amazing? The will governs a person, it has control over the entire person. It directs the faculties of the soul and the body. Now, having Christ and grace rule over what governs both your inner and outer self is a tremendous blessing. The best proof that this is happening is your readiness, or serious preparation, to endure the toughest challenges for Christ. If your will is okay with this, it's a sign that grace has truly conquered and transformed your will.
Being mentally prepared to endure hardships is a wonderful thing, because God appreciates it so much that he often spares those who are ready to face suffering. He accepts their willingness as if they've already gone through the ordeal. Take Abraham's story from Genesis 22:12 for example. He was prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. But when God saw that Abraham was genuinely ready to perform this challenging act of self-sacrifice, He provided another sacrifice in place of Isaac. So, Abraham got to keep his son, and even gained something extra. He not only had a profound experience of his love for God, but also received God's high approval and acceptance of his offering. In terms of divine acceptance, it was as if Isaac had been sacrificed, which is how the scripture portrays it in James 2:21. This is often how God rewards those who are ready to give up their most cherished possessions, their lives, freedoms, and dearest joys for Him. As it says in Luke 9:24, "Whoever wants to save their life for my sake, will save it."
Isn't this amazing? You can achieve the honor of martyrdom without actually shedding a single drop of blood for Christ. It's truly touching how God appreciates it when He sees His humble beings ready to serve Him with their greatest joys! He even said to David, "It is well that it was in your heart," 1 Kings 8:18.
Finally, it's undeniable that this is a truly wonderful and blessed thing. Even if a Christian, despite all their efforts and preparations, succumbs to temptation, their prior preparation can lessen the severity of their fall compared to others. It also provides them with support during such a time and gives them hope for a quick recovery. It's a huge comfort when someone who has been overwhelmed by temptation can approach God and say, 'Lord, you know that I didn't willingly stray from my duties, but acted against my own intentions and resolutions. You saw how diligently I prepared for this, how fearful and anxious I was about it. Please, Lord, forgive me, help me recover, cleanse me of this stain. It's one of the stains of your children, a weakness, not a rebellion.' This can greatly comfort the soul.
Certainly, in this situation, you have many reasons for comfort that others may not have. Because your sin is just a weakness, (1.) It's something that all saints experience, as stated in Psalms 103:11, 12, 13, 14. (2.) God has mercy and forgiveness for such sins, otherwise even the holiest soul would be in trouble, as mentioned in Psalms 130:3, 4. Solomon, on this basis, asks for mercy for those who have prepared their hearts, as seen in 2 Chronicles 30:18, 19. And God has provided comforting assurances for such souls, as noted in Numbers 15:27, 28 and Hebrews 5:2. Look at how gently Christ treated his disciples when they sinned in this way, as shown in Matthew 26:41. Even though they abandoned him for a while, he welcomed them back. Even though they ran from him, they all came back and boldly stood up for Christ later on, even sealing their confession of him with their own blood. What brought them back was the fact that their fall and departure was against their own resolutions, their steady mindset, and the direction of their hearts. They had all decided to stick with him to the death, as stated in Matthew 26:35. On the other hand, those who professed their faith in him without thinking it through, and never prepared for the worst, fell away from him and never came back, as seen in John 6:66. So, in conclusion, you have to agree that it's a truly wonderful and admirable thing to prepare in this way for the greatest suffering that can happen to us for Christ. Next, we'll discuss what this preparation entails.