In the Midst of Suffering
Basilea Schlink teaches that suffering, though difficult, is a precious gift from God that transforms believers into His image and brings eternal blessing.
In this devotional sermon, Basilea Schlink explores the profound spiritual truth that suffering is a divine gift meant to transform believers into the likeness of Christ. She encourages listeners to give thanks and praise God even in times of affliction, revealing how such an attitude breaks the power of sorrow and opens the way to eternal joy. Drawing on biblical insights, Schlink offers hope and practical encouragement for those enduring trials, affirming God’s active presence in every circumstance.
Full Transcript
God lives and works today. Perhaps in looking back you could testify to his reality when you think about especially happy times in your life. But what about the times of affliction, when the waves of trouble rise up and almost seem to drown you? If you are going through such a time right now, listen to today's meditation by Basilea Schlink, In the Midst of Suffering.
What do we have to thank for the most? Surely for the most precious gift that a person can receive, for that which contains the greatest blessing imaginable. But what is this treasure? It is suffering, although at first it may seem to be anything but precious and valuable. Even of our Lord Jesus we hear that it was suffering which brought him glory, and that's why the Apostle Paul writes in Romans chapter 5, When we praise the blessing that suffering will bring, all its negative power will be broken.
It will no longer be able to make us so sad or despondent. Yes, this praising and giving thanks in the midst of suffering is not just an unrealistic attempt to escape from one's sufferings. When we give thanks about the glory that suffering will bring, yes, when we praise God for the blessing that is hidden in suffering, then we are speaking the truth.
For when we say yes, Father, to all our suffering and chastenings, they will help to transform us into the image of God. And so suffering is the greatest present from the hand of God. It brings the greatest blessing, a life of unspeakable happiness in the world to come.
And through giving thanks and praising the Lord, we can taste this bliss already here on earth, right in the midst of suffering. In earthly sorrow, the Lord I follow, who once for me dead hath betrayed. To die is living, Jesus is giving, his people everlasting life.
Still grace the suffering, sinners transforming, for everlasting life. You have been listening to a program written by Basilea Schlink of the Little Land of Canaan. To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website www.canaan.org. That's K-A-N-A-A-N dot org.
If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet. If you do not have access to the web, please contact this radio station for our postal address. God bless you.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Reality of God's Work Today
- God is active in both happy and difficult times
- Personal testimony confirms God's presence
- Suffering is part of God's plan
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II. The Blessing of Suffering
- Suffering is a precious gift from God
- It brings glory as seen in Jesus’ life
- Praising God breaks suffering’s negative power
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III. Transformation Through Suffering
- Suffering shapes us into God’s image
- Thanksgiving in suffering is truthful and powerful
- Suffering leads to eternal happiness
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IV. Experiencing Joy Amidst Suffering
- Giving thanks allows tasting of heavenly bliss now
- Jesus’ death and resurrection give everlasting life
- Grace transforms sinners during suffering
Key Quotes
“Even of our Lord Jesus we hear that it was suffering which brought him glory.” — Basilea Schlink
“Suffering is the greatest present from the hand of God. It brings the greatest blessing, a life of unspeakable happiness in the world to come.” — Basilea Schlink
“When we give thanks about the glory that suffering will bring, yes, when we praise God for the blessing that is hidden in suffering, then we are speaking the truth.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- Practice giving thanks to God even during difficult times to experience His peace and joy.
- View suffering as a tool God uses to shape your character and bring you closer to His image.
- Trust that enduring trials with faith leads to eternal blessings and transformation.