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Overcoming Tragedies and Tribulations Institute of Biblical Discipleship - Bible study #36 by Nolan McFadden Tragedies and tribulations are a part of the human experience. As Christians, we are not exempt from the hard experiences of this life. We all experience tribulations and tragedies of various kinds. The death of a loved one, illness, injury, adversity, persecution, family problems, marriage problems, unemployment, financial loss, treachery, theft, false accusation, abandonment and divorce are some of the many tragedies that Christians experience in a fallen world among fallen people (Romans 5:12, I John 5:19). But, perhaps the most important issue regarding any tragedy or adversity that you experience is your response. How will you respond to this difficult experience? Will you draw closer to the LORD through this tragedy or will you drift away from God? Are you willing to receive what our Father in Heaven wants to teach you by means of this tragedy or will you harden your heart with anger, pride or bitterness? Through this experience, will you become a better Christian or a bitter person? Will you keep a good attitude? In John 16:33 our LORD JESUS taught his disciples, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” In like manner, Paul and Barnabas exhorted new disciples to, “continue in the faith,” and explained that, “…we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts14:22).” As Christians, we know that Jehovah has an eternal, sovereign, perfect plan for our lives. Nothing happens by accident for a Christian. The LORD (YHWH) does not allow a tragedy or tribulation to enter our lives unless it is according to His providential plan. Moreover, we can be sure that nothing in God’s plan is without a spiritual purpose. We are assured that, “…all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Likewise, our eternal Father works “…all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:11-12) Therefore, we can be certain that there is a reason in God’s plan for what has happened. We will be wise to diligently search out the LORD’s wisdom, understanding and counsel regarding the tragedy. Thankfully, our living Father in Heaven can turn our tragedies into great blessings in our lives if we will trust in Him (Isaiah 61:3). It is God’s desire that in the very lowest valleys of our lives that we seek Him with all our hearts (James 4:8). Furthermore, the apostle Paul exhorted believers to patiently endure their sufferings, tragedies, persecutions and tribulations (Romans 8:33-39; 12:12, II Thessalonians 1:4, II Timothy 2:3). There is no better place to look for answers to your current situation than in the Holy Bible. The LORD’s thoughts and counsels are revealed in the Scriptures (II Timothy 3:1617). We know that the counsels of the LORD are true and righteous (Psalm 119:160, John 17:17). Therefore, let’s consider seven biblical reasons why the LORD allows Christians to experience sufferings and tragedies: I. To show that our faith in JESUS CHRIST is genuine (I Peter 1:6-9) II. To demonstrate courage in adversity (Philippians 1:28-29, James 5:10-11)
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III. In order that we might be glorified with JESUS in Heaven (Romans 8:17-18) IV. To enter the fellowship of CHRIST’s sufferings (II Corinthians 1:5, Philippians 3:9-10, I Peter 1:11; 2:19-21; 4:13) V. To prepare us to minister to others who are suffering (II Corinthians 1:4) VI. To show through us that CHRIST’s love, hope and power is greater than our sufferings and tragedies (Romans 8:35-37, II Corinthians 1:7; 2:14) VII. Sometimes it is for chastisement (discipline) of a Christian because of sin (Hebrews 12:5-11, I Peter 4:1-2, I Corinthians 11:27-34) Yet, in all these matters, we are “more than conquerors” through our LORD JESUS CHRIST who loves us and is interceding for us in the presence of God the Father (Romans 8:35-37, Hebrews 7:24-25; 10:19-22). Reminding us of our call to be overcomers in CHRIST JESUS, in II Corinthians 2:14 the apostle Paul declared, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place.” The LORD’s encouragement to us in II Corinthians 2:14 is that He will always cause us to triumph in CHRIST JESUS. “Always” means “always” regardless of our circumstances. This means that there is no pain, suffering, trial, distress, persecution, mistreatment, health problem, family problem, marriage problem, financial problem or ministry problem in which Jehovah will not triumph and turn into a great victory in our behalf as we yield to Him. Subsequently, we can relax because the Creator and Sustainer of all creation is in control of our situation (Romans 8:28, Ephesians 1:11-12). As we pause to reflect on this marvelous truth, it causes us to give thanks and praise to our gracious and merciful LORD JESUS CHRIST. See also I Corinthians 15:57. However, we must not overlook the second part of II Corinthians 2:14. Paul said, “…and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place.” The Lord not only assures us that we will always triumph in CHRIST, but also that He will use our circumstances to make “the savor of his knowledge” shine through us to others everywhere we are. What an awesome LORD we serve!!! Therefore, we can have absolute, secure, abundant confidence in Jehovah God and His eternal plan in our lives. He has promised, “…beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3) By the power, love and grace of our LORD JESUS, we can overcome any tragedy and shine for our SAVIOR. PRAISE THE LORD! Shine LORD JESUS shine! May the whole world know that you are alive through us.
2003, revised 2015 Nolan McFadden