Perhaps during times of affliction, you have almost fainted. You may have been so weak and weary that you thought you couldn’t go another step. Now from where you stand, though, you can say, “I never want to go through that again, but God brought me out. He has been faithful. Praise the Lord!”
God is not satisfied with a heartfelt “thank you” from us. Rather, he says, “Wait just a moment, my child. I did not bring you through all those troubles and afflictions just to make you a grateful overcomer. I’ve spent years training you, putting you through all these things for a purpose, and I’m not going to let you waste them now. I fully intend for my investment to pay off. I tell you that your best work is ahead of you!”
As you emerge from your college-level afflictions, God opens your eyes to your struggling friends in kindergarten. These beloved ones don’t think they can make it, so what do you do with your affliction experiences? God whispers to you, “I need seasoned, tested veterans, people who have survived deep waters and awful fires, who have been refined through suffering. I want people who will prove my faithfulness to this generation.” The psalmist writes, “Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare your strength to this generation, your power to everyone who is to come” (Psalm 71:18, NKJV).
Paul sums it all up beautifully. “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel” (Philippians 1:12). That is saying something. When Paul wrote this, he was an older man with years of experience, and he was in the midst of one of the worst trials of his life.
He spoke to his friends from his heart. “It would be the most wonderful thing right now if I could go home and be with my Lord. That is my greatest desire, but I’m a veteran; I’ve been through afflictions and trials, and I know I’m needed here. This generation needs to see a sufferer who survives and rejoices in any affliction. The church I’m leaving behind is going to face all that I’ve faced, and they need to know that God will bring them through. So it is best that I stay and endure these deep afflictions. Look at me! Not only have I survived, but I have true hope. I’m not down or depressed. I rejoice in the Lord for all he has brought me through!” (see Philippians 1:19-30).