In this video, Dr. Derek Thomas encourages Christians to remember that God’s sovereignty gives purpose to our suffering.
What is the most important thing to remember as we endure trials as Christians? That God is sovereign; that nothing happens without Him willing it to happen and willing it to happen in the way that it happens and willing it to happen before it happens. Though we may not understand the reason for the trial, there is always a purpose. There is always a plan. “All things work together for good to those that love God” (Rom. 8:28). Though we may not be able to see that good; we may not have any comprehension of what that good may be; we must believe that God is doing this for a good end and a good purpose. Apart from atonement and apart from redemption, suffering has no value and no purpose. But at the cross, God Himself, in the person of the Lord Jesus enters into our suffering. And there is, therefore, at the cross a redemption of suffering that makes suffering—not any less painful or any less difficult—but it does make suffering purposeful. And there is an assurance even in the midst of darkness that God is doing this to bring glory to Himself, but also that He will never leave you nor forsake you.