Chapter 7: Where Is Our Suffering?

What exactly are we calling suffering?

When we compare our inconveniences with the ministry of the apostles, and the saints of the early church, perspective changes quickly.

• The apostles suffered persecution.
• They were imprisoned.
• They were beaten.
• They endured distress.
• Some were killed because of the gospel.
• Stephen was stoned.
• Christians were feed to Lions, and their children eaten alive before them by bears.
• Some Saints were used as human torches simply for being a Christian. Yet modern ministers can possess technology capable of carrying the gospel around the world almost instantaneously and still describe the inconvenience of obtaining resources as an unbearable struggle.

The comparison is sobering.

If God allows us to accomplish ministry without the degree of persecution endured by the early church, but simply requires us to trust Him financially, and endure some light afflictions; is that truly unreasonable? I mean in some cases, for those in full time ministry; God pays the rent or the mortgage every month, he pays the light bill, the water bill, the phone bill, the cable bill. He buys the groceries, and the clothes. But the only thing he is given in return is one or maybe two one hour weekday services, one 2-hour Sunday service and a reluctance to do any additional discipleship with the flock.

Perhaps what we are experiencing should be understood as light affliction.

Remember the Original Surrender

There is another danger.

Over time, ministers can forget what they originally told God.

We once said:

“Whatever it takes.”

“I give You everything.”

But after years of ministry, we can begin renegotiating that surrender. We start complaining about the very inconveniences included in the original commitment. The conversation therefore returns us to gratitude.

The gospel is going forward.

People are being reached.

Lives are being changed.

Fruit is being produced.

That fruit itself becomes encouragement because it demonstrates that the labor has been effectual. The affliction is producing something.

Therefore, instead of asking continually:

“Why must ministry be this difficult?”

Perhaps we should ask:

“What is this affliction working for me?”

If the gospel is advancing and God is being glorified, then the inconvenience has not defeated the ministry.

It has become part of its formation.

The Governing Principle

God is not merely interested in what ministers accomplish. He is concerned with what we become while accomplishing it.

• He wants us to taste His character.
• He wants purity in our motives.
• He wants integrity in our leadership.
• He wants faith in His provision.
• He wants humility in our successes.
• He wants gratitude in our afflictions.
• And He wants dependency upon Him to remain intact throughout the entire journey of ministry.

The work belongs to God. The provision belongs to God. The people belong to God. The glory belongs to God. And the leader must remain pure enough to never attempt to take possession of what belongs to God.