SAVED TO SERVE

Most evangelicals are familiar with Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”  We ought to have those words embedded in our mind. 

Yet, we may not be as acquainted with the next verse, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them,” (v. 10). These go together—two sides of the same coin of salvation. While we are saved apart from our works—the root of salvation is solely in the work of Christ—our salvation is never apart from producing works—the fruit of salvation is seen in the work of Christ in Christians. The quote attributed to Martin Luther states it, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.”  

We are saved to serve. That is true of every child of God. This Gospel message must be preached. It must also be observed in the preacher’s life as well as heard from his lips.  Otherwise the words ring hollow and we may be branded a hypocrite.  The call is, “Practice what you preach!”

Ours is a POETIC LIFE, “For we are His workmanship…”.  The Greek word for “workmanship,” is poiema.  Our English word, “poem,” is derived from that. We might say it is a life that is “poetry in motion.”  I heard my mentor, Dr. Stephen Olford, put it, “a life of rhyme and reason.”  

God is the Author. He has written the script in His providence. As I look back over the course of my nearly seventy years of life, I can see how God has worked in me and through me. What may seem isolated events at the time, are now seen to be lines of sacred verse that God has been putting together. Since we are still here on earth, we may be sure there are more stanzas to be written.

Ours is also a PRACTICAL LIFE, “created in Christ Jesus for good works…”.  Orthodoxy in our doctrine leads to orthopraxy in our duty. If our belief is Biblical, then our behavior will be practical. God sovereignly created Adam and Eve for a sacred responsibility—to steward the creation and to shun the temptation.  Yet, they failed. Sin is now part of our natural state. 

Jesus came to give us a new nature—to fashion a new creation in Christ. This is regeneration. Yet, we are to flesh out our faith in daily duty. In Christ, His crucifixion means we die to self, sin, and this sphere of the world system (cf. Gal. 6:14), as we have been crucified with Christ. Nevertheless, we live, so in Christ’s resurrection we live for Him—yet, not I but Christ living in and through me, (cf. Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6). 

Further, ours is a PREPARED LIFE, “which God prepared beforehand…”. Before you were born, God already knew you. He fashioned you in your mother’s womb, infusing you with personality and capacity to be His choice servant. Then, He directed your life to the point of conviction of sin and conversion to salvation by the Gospel of grace. 

How all this transpired has been the topic of theological debate for two millennia of church history—so I will not attempt to resolve every question in this brief devotion. Yet, we cannot deny that God is sovereign and He orchestrates all things to the fulfillment of His will. This all redounds to His glory. 

Perhaps you are familiar with the quote, “Try to explain predestination and you may lose your mind.  Try to explain it away and you may lose your soul.” I am content to accept there is mystery in the harmony of God’s sovereignty in His choices and my responsibility for my choices. To paraphrase the Shorter Westminster Catechism, “The chief end of [Dennis] is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”  You can insert your name into that, as well.

In conclusion, ours is a PROGRESSIVE LIFE, “that we should walk in them.”  Perfection is not attainable on earth. That awaits eternity—to be glorified when we see Jesus face to face, “but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is,” (1 Jn. 3:2b). While perfection is not attainable, progression is achievable. John also said, “Beloved, now we are the children of God…. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure,” (1 Jn. 3:2a, 3). More and more, as I express the life of Christ within, I exhibit more of His likeness without. 

Jesus is the Model Servant. He set the example for us. We are being like Him than when we are serving others.  We are saved to serve!

A CHOSEN VESSEL

God informed Ananias that Saul of Tarsus—better known as Paul the Apostle—would be “a chosen vessel.”  In His sovereign grace, the Lord Jesus saved him and would set him apart to serve Him. Christ made the choice to reveal Himself and Saul chose to respond to His call. Those who are set apart for God’s use have no reason to boast of their worthiness, but only to glory in the grace of God. We are mere vessels that He pours into that we may pour out His Word.

Paul’s task would be to take the saving name of Jesus to all the world—Gentiles, Jews, even kings. It is such a privilege to represent the King of kings—to be His ambassador, (cf. 2 Cor. 4:20-21). 

While it is a privilege, it comes with a price.  Paul was to be told upfront that he would suffer much for the cause of Christ. As His ambassadors, we travel into hostile territory, and our message while welcomed by some, will bring the wrath of many. The world has a measure of tolerance—at least indifference—to religion. It is the exclusivity of the Gospel—the name of Jesus as the only means where one must be saved—that is the demand that ignites the world’s fury. 

There are several characteristics of a chosen vessel suggested in Acts 9:10-25. 

First, we see PRAYER.  Ananias was told of Saul of Tarsus, “behold, he is praying,” (v. 11). As natural as an infant who is born, crying out at his or her arrival, this is indicative of a spiritual birth into the family of God. Instinctively, we know we must pray. Yet, too often as we get busy in public work, we may neglect private worship. We will never be a choice vessel that God can use apart from a consistent prayer life. Paul was a productive worker, because he was a prayer warrior. 

Then, consider PERCEPTION. Ananias was to lay hands on him and pray, “so that he might receive his sight,” (v. 12). Paul had been blinded by the glorious light radiating from the Risen Christ—a light brighter than the noonday sun. Now, physically the scales would fall from his eyes so he could see, but spiritually his eyes would be opened also to see God’s purpose for his life. God gives vision to those He uses in His service. We can lead others because we have seen the path to travel.

Also, we must have POWER.  Paul would, “be filled with the Holy Spirit,” (v. 17). The assignment God has for us is too great for us. It is spiritual work and demands supernatural power. When we are saved, we have the Spirit residing in us, but when we are serving, we need the Spirit presiding over us. As we die to sin and become empty of self, the risen life of Christ fills us and makes us fruitful.  God fills the chosen vessel with His Spirit and pours out His power through us. 

This enables PERSISTENCE. We are told that Paul ate and, “was strengthened,” (v. 19). Just as his physical healing gave him sight, this literal food gave him strength. Metaphorically, this would be true in the spiritual dimension. Feeding upon the Bread of Life, he would be able to persist in service despite the opposition he would face. This might for ministry is mentioned in verse 22, “But Saul increased all the more in strength.”  God supported and sustained him as the Jews sought to kill him, (v. 24). J. Vernon McGee noted, “That all of God’s men are immortal until God is through with them.”

There will also be PROCLAMATION. “Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God,” (v. 20). God called this chosen vessel to be a preacher. His proclamation pointed to a Person—the Lord Jesus Christ. What a privilege it is to open the Bible, preach it, and point people to the Savior!  While it is true that every child of God is called to confess Christ—to bear witness to the world—there are those selected to stand in the pulpit and preach. Spurgeon put it, “If God calls you to be a minister, don’t stoop to becoming a king.”

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY AND GOSPEL SERVICE

“When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though the Lord opened a door for me, I had no rest in my spirit because I did not find my brother Titus. Instead, I said good-bye to them and left for Macedonia. But thanks be to God, who always leads us in Christ’s triumphal procession and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of him in every place. For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life. Who is adequate for these things? For we do not market the word of God for profit like so many. On the contrary, we speak with sincerity in Christ, as from God and before God.” (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2:12-17‬ ‭CSB)‬‬

The sovereignty of God in salvation means that our salvation is all of His grace. But, God has decreed that He will use His church to proclaim the Gospel that brings salvation.  This is a great tension of truth, to be held in balance. We see here—as throughout Scripture—the paradox of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. These truths are not contradictory, but complementary. 

The section of 2 Corinthians beginning here and going to the middle of the sixth chapter deals with the Christian ministry. While Paul was defining and defending his work in Corinth, he was giving us a measuring stick for all ministry done in the church, whether by laity or by clergy. There are those who feel this section may be a digression. But I feel it is possible this is Paul’s reaction to those who have raised grave questions about the integrity of his ministry. We have therefore been presented in this section of his second letter with one of the Scripture’s grandest pictures of the ministry of all Christians. [Chafin, K. L., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1985). 1, 2 Corinthians (Vol. 30, p. 211). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.]

A MISSION THAT IS PROVIDENTIALLY DIRECTED (v.12-13).  OPEN AND SHUT—Opportunity is a door that opens and shuts according to the providence of God. Providence is a composite word—from “pro” meaning before and “video,” to see—thus, combined to speak of God seeing beforehand and in His sovereignty directing all to His desired ends. He has all power to do what He wants and all wisdom to know what ought to be done, motivated by all love, righteousness, and grace to accomplish all for His glory and our good.

That does not mean that I will understand God’s ways. Sometimes they appear contrary to human reason. They are directed by a perfect logic that I cannot attain, and therefore, I must trust Him. Paul did that here.  He apparently came to Troas with a wide open door for preaching the Gospel. Paul was all about preaching “in season and out of season” (2 Tim.4:2b). In other words, as I heard the late Stephen Olford once say about this, “take opportunities and make opportunities.” But, as the Apostle waited for Titus to bring a report concerning the Corinthian church, Titus was a no show. Paul became increasingly troubled in his spirit and this restlessness led him to go seek to find his brother. He walked away from an opportunity and struck out for Macedonia. 

Discerning God’s will does not mean we just take the easy road—sometimes it is just the opposite. Would a pastor leave a large congregation to go to a struggling church revitalization work?  In a carnal churchy way of thinking, no—it’s all about climbing the ladder. But, in following Christ, it is to kneel at the cross, rather than climb the ladder!

We must be cautious about subjective feelings driving our decisions. We can allow human reason to override heavenly direction.  God has led me each step of the way—and thus far, it has always been a step of self-denial. The Lord has disturbed my soul—showing me my time was through where I served, tested my faith by moving me out of the comfort zone, and into a new challenge—that did not make a lot of sense at the time. We live life forward, but understand it backward. All I know is this—God leads His dear children along. 

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Paul was sure that God was leading him (v. 14a). The circumstances were not comfortable, and Paul could not explain the detours and disappointments, but he was sure that God was in control. The believer can always be sure that God is working everything together for good, so long as we love Him and seek to obey His will (Rom. 8:28). This promise is not an excuse for carelessness, but it is an encouragement for confidence. [Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 636). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.]

A MESSAGE THAT IS POWERFULLY DECLARED (v.14-16).  LIFE AND DEATH—The Gospel is an aroma that is the scent of life to those who receive it and the stench of death to those who reject it.

Paul is using imagery familiar to people of his day. He speaks of the triumphal procession of a Roman general returning. As the victorious legions returned to Rome, all the citizens took a holiday and cheering throngs lined the streets to greet them. It was a spectacular mix of sights, sounds, and smells. The cavalcade might last for days as the conquering heroes wound their way through the streets and up the hill to the temple of Jupiter. The general would ride in a chariot, his armor sparkling in the sun. The vanquished were led behind him—chained to his chariot. Wagons full of wealth—the spoil of battle would be in tow. The fragrance of incense permeated the air—the sweetness of triumph to the victors and the stench of death to the vanquished. 

Using this analogy, Paul portrays Jesus as the Conquering Commander. His followers are chained to His chariot—trophies of His grace, slaves held by shackles of love. The Gospel is the incense—fragrance of life to those who receive it and the fumes of death to those who reject it. 

  Paul regarded himself as a signal trophy of God’s victorious power in Christ. His Almighty Conqueror was leading him about through all the cities of the Greek and Roman world, as an illustrious example of His power at once to subdue and to save. The foe of Christ was now the servant of Christ.  [Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 303). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.]

It is interesting that Paul—facing so much distressing, depressing days, yet saw each as the dawn of hope. Wherever he went and whatever he faced—in a jail, during a riot, hated and harassed, burdened and betrayed—he refused to surrender to the situation about him, but looked to the sky above him and saw victory in Jesus. 

This was the vision that transformed all the circumstances of his life and kept adversity from weighing him down and temporary setbacks from depressing him. It is the loss of this vision of the victorious Christ that creates a defeated ministry and a church wringing its hands. [Chafin, K. L., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1985). 1, 2 Corinthians (Vol. 30, p. 212). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.]

I think we need this reminder in the current crisis of coronavirus. We need to be prudent—God gave us a head for more than just a hat rack!  Wash your hands, be cautious about where you go and whom you are around, if you are sick or at high risk stay home!  What we don’t need to do is panic!  Jesus told us it would be this way to the end of the age. In Matthew 24, He warned of “plagues in various places,” (Luke 21:11). Yet, He underscored that these are creation’s labor pains that will birth the new creation at Christ’s return!  I have read the last book of the Bible—and it mentions awful plagues, but in the end we win!  We are more than conquerors. It is our privilege to share the Gospel everywhere we go—the smell of life and the stench of death—offering compassion or condemnation depending on how people respond to it.  There is to be an aroma about us—the incense of hope!  Peter said thus, “but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:15-16 CSB)

In the Septuagint the term “aroma” (euōdia) was used of Old Testament sacrifices (Gen. 8:21; Ex. 29:18; Lev. 1:9; Num. 15:3). Paul’s life was a sacrificial offering (Rom. 12:1), well-pleasing to God. The course of his life in proclaiming God’s message while at the same time suffering rejection and attack by many was an extension of Jesus’ life as the Servant of God (cf. Col. 1:24). [Lowery, D. K. (1985). 2 Corinthians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 559). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.]

Do we feel inadequate for such a responsibility?  We should because we are!  Even Paul felt the weight of such responsibility was too much for him.  That drove him to his knees, “It is not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5 CSB)

After all, it is “the fragrance of Christ,” we are exuding. It is His life manifest through our flesh!  There will be those who receive that sweet savor of the Savior.

Yet, there is a word of caution to those who reject the message. With every refusal, there is a hardening of the heart more and more, “an aroma of death leading to death.”  It is impossible for preaching of the Word not to bring results. Scripture warns, “Therefore take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.” (Luke 8:18 CSB)

Will we have any response to the sermon?  Yes—100%. Some will leave better and some will leave worse, but all will be changed by their choice. Here is the promise I have seen in four decades of ministry, ““o my word that comes from my mouth will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.” (Isaiah 55:11 CSB)

A MOTIVE THAT IS PURELY DRIVEN (v.17). RIGHT AND WRONG—Our motive, method, and message is either right or wrong, and we have no middle ground.  The word, “market,” used here is interesting in several ways. Many churches today are employing marketing techniques from the business world to inflate the numbers of people attending. I am not saying it is wrong to find ways to contact people and connect with them. We should all be about reaching people. Nor is this a slam on large churches. There are those who are doing it right. There is nothing inherently commendable about a church bring small. Maybe they just stink at what they are doing. I’m not dealing with size, but strategy. Understand the danger of marketing. In the secular world, advertisers seek to identify consumers and design their appeal to stimulate them to make a purchase. They appeal to self-interest. The church needs to remember that what brings people to the church will be required to keep them in the church.  If people come for what they can get out of it, then when they are no longer receiving what they want, they will move on elsewhere. 

Paul said they peddle God’s Word. This word kapēleuontes, “to hawk, peddle,” is used only here. Paul may have had in mind Isaiah’s description of Jerusalem’s unscrupulous Israelites who “diluted” their wine with water to increase their profits (Isa. 1:22; cf. Lucian’s description [Hermotimus 59] of similarly unscrupulous philosophers). So too these false apostles adulterated the Word of God for profit. They served themselves, not God whom Paul represented. They were “greedy for money” (1 Peter 5:2), an evidence of their falsehood. But Paul ministered with sincerity (cf. 2 Cor. 1:12.) [Lowery, D. K. (1985). 2 Corinthians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 560). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.]

It is diluted doctrine—a watered down message that is being peddled by compromising preachers.  They make it palatable to the masses so their marketing will be successful.  As I was preparing this sermon, I saw where a preacher had promised immunity from the coronavirus if people would give to the church.  Greek scholar A.T. Robertson noted:  “It is curious how hucksters were suspected of corrupting by putting the best fruit on top of the basket.” [Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (2 Co 2:17). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.]. This kind of preaching looks good on the surface.  What is offered tastes sweet.  But underneath the fruit is rotten and poisonous.

That is not what Paul gave out. It is an abomination. God help me to be true to the Word of God—and about the saint’s interest and not self-interest. 

CONC.  As concerning the Gospel—it is black and white. There are some things that are in the “gray” zone, but not the Gospel.  People’s response should be to love us or loathe us.  We are not to be concerned if they like us.  We should be met with receptivity or hostility, but never apathy. Christ wants His church hot, but if not had rather we be cold, but never lukewarm!

The undiluted Gospel message is this: repent of your sin and receive Jesus as Savior. Bow to Him today and be saved!  You dare not delay, for you are not promised another opportunity. You may have one, but it will not be like this one. Each time you say no to God, it is easier to say no the next time. You can callus your conscience. 

PURPOSE IN THE PREACHER’S PAIN

I am allergic to pain. When possible, I scrupulously avoid it—but, it is not always possible. If you are a preacher, you will be subjected to pain. We live on a broken planet, filled with broken people. The curse on humanity, brought by the depravity in our sinful state, will at times lead people to rebel against us. Their rebellion is against God and His rule, but since they cannot get to Him, they attack His emissaries. 

Eventually, every preacher will face the need to make decisions that are unpopular with a carnal crowd. He will be called to express convictions that are assailed by those driven more by culture than Scripture. Rejection, ridicule, pressure, and persecution are thorns in our side—thorns that accompany creation under the curse.

Then, there is the pain we all are subjected to—sickness, sorrow, stress in our family, shortage in our finances, and the like. We can grow weary from the daily demands of life and ministry. Being a man of God does not exempt us from adversity. Paul’s life stands in marked contrast to the false “prosperity gospel.”

The issue is not whether we will have pain.  The question is, “How will we respond?”  We wonder, “Is there purpose in the preacher’s pain.”  The overarching purpose for all of creation—for time and eternity—is this, “the glory of God,” (2 Cor.4:15). That is at the heart of the text we will consider. 

1.      THE PURPOSE OF OUR PAIN IS THE MANIFESTATION OF GOD’S GLORY IN CHRIST. 

⁷ Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. ⁸ We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; ⁹ we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body. ¹¹ For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’s sake, so that Jesus’s life may also be displayed in our mortal flesh. (2 Cor.4:7-11 CSB)

It is the glory of Christ that we show in our response to suffering. Twice Paul says, “so that,” pointing to the purpose in the frailty of our flesh (v.7), and that Christ would be “displayed,” (twice repeated, v.10-11). The old King James has, “manifest”—the manifestation of Christ’s life. 

What a treasure we have—the life of Christ indwelling!  The wonder of it all, is that He has chosen to manifest it by placing that glorious One in a jar of clay!  God allows us to be cracked pots—broken by the ravages of life—ready for the garbage dump. Yet, in a weak and worthless being, God’s extraordinary power is displayed!  Who gets the glory?  Only the treasure—Christ, the glorious One!

The preacher may suffer affliction, confusion, hostility, and brutality. Yet, the promise of God is that we will not be crushed under the weight of our burden, we will not be overcome by despair in our perplexity, nor abandoned by God when attacked by men, neither destroyed when struck down by those who hate us. 

Jesus was betrayed, bruised, beaten, scorned, scourged, struck, crowned with thorns, and crucified on a tree. Following Him, is to walk the Calvary Road that He trod. It was in His death that Christ brought life—in dying and rising from the dead, He vanquished death. Here is the principle, “Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.” (John 12:24) 

2.      THE PURPOSE OF OUR PAIN IS THE PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S GLORY IN CHRIST.

¹³ And since we have the same spirit of faith in keeping with what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we also believe, and therefore speak. ¹⁴ For we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you. ¹⁵ Indeed, everything is for your benefit so that, as grace extends through more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to increase to the glory of God. (2 Cor.4:13-15 CSB)

It is the glory of Christ that we speak in our response to suffering. Two times in these verses, the Apostle mentions what is spoken—in a quote from Psalm 116:10 and in his example in following that imperative.  Don’t miss the connection between what Paul believed and what he proclaimed. 

Satan seeks to undermine our faith—to whisper words of doubt. If we are not careful, we may allow the painful circumstances to give credence to the lies. Then, we can find ourselves speaking words of complaint, anger, bitterness, and unbelief. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. 

Rather than complain about his pain, Paul chooses to celebrate God’s providence. He proclaims his confidence that life will overcome death, that grace will conquer sin, and that the present woe will be overwhelmed by eternal worship. He restates the Romans 8:28 promise in saying, “everything is for your benefit” (v.15). In his pain, the preacher proclaimed the Gospel—resting in grace and offering grace. More and more people would be impacted in the ongoing proclamation as the witnesses’ commitment, despite their suffering, gave credibility to their claim!  If Paul (and the other Apostles) had not seen Christ in resurrection glory, it makes no sense that they would suffer and die for a lie!

Paul chose to be thankful that he was counted worthy to suffer for Christ. Others would join him in thanksgiving and thereby magnify the glory of God.  Preacher, what do you say about your difficulty?  Do you whine about your suffering or witness for your Savior?

3.     THE PURPOSE OF OUR PAIN IS THE TRANSFORMATION BY GOD’S GLORY IN CHRIST.

¹⁶ Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. ¹⁸ So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Cor.4:16-18 CSB)

It is the glory of Christ that we share in our response to suffering.  Imagine—the very glory of God within us, transforming us from glory unto glory, making us more and more like Jesus!  We share in His life and experience His glory. 

This is why we cannot give up.  Whatever painful problem we face today, we know that eventually it is going to be better. That will ultimately be eternity, but how glorious!  God may give us a reprieve from our pain now. Difficulties today may yield to deliverance tomorrow. This will not last, however. More storms are on the horizon. These bodies of ours are subject to the grinding wheels of time, that at last turn us to dust.  

The outer person is decaying. I see it in the mirror. That is only the old house I am living in. It is not fit for eternal habitation, anyway. The inner man—my true self in Christ—is getting stronger and stronger, even as my body grows weaker and weaker. This is salvation in three tenses: I have been saved from sin’s penalty (justification); I am being saved from sin’s power (sanctification); I will be saved from sin’s presence (glorification). 

I need the proper perspective.  My afflictions placed in the scales of God’s purposes are momentary and light when weighed against the incomparable weight of eternal glory!  Shall I mourn travelling the temporary trail of tears, when it is leading to the destination of everlasting joy?

If we look around us, we will grieve. Let us look above us and be glad!  There is an unseen world that can only be seen with eyes of faith.  Yet, it is eternal. That which we see in the flesh is doomed for the trash dump. 

Preacher, we have a choice. We cannot always evade pain.  That is not the choice. What is in our hands is to choose to embrace God’s purpose in our pain.

I think of this scene in the Fellowship of the Ring as Frodo, the hobbit, complains to Gandalf, the wizard, about the burden he carries:

Frodo: I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.

Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times; but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring. In which case, you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought.