A Chosen Vessel

Do you ever wonder why you have to go through the trials that you do? Do you question God, wanting to know what you did to deserve this? Wanting to know what He is trying to show you?

I know I used to. I used to beg Him to tell me why I was so sick. Even when He told me I was healed in His eyes, here as in Heaven, I still needed to know the reason for this ever happening to me. I needed to know how, in man’s eyes, here on earth, I was supposed to use this.

My first thought was that it was punishment for having sinned and fallen away from Him. But that isn’t necessarily true. In the same way that I believe Christ purchased my healing at the cross, I believe He purchased my redemption. I have been forgiven. I am not being punished in the way man would think.

So if our trials aren’t for punishment, then what are they for?

Think about the sufferings of the apostle Paul.

He had worked extremely hard in his life. He had been imprisoned frequently. He had been stoned and severely beaten almost to death on numerous occasions. He was shipwrecked three times. He was constantly on the move, and his life had been in danger from robbers, fellow Jews, Gentiles, and false believers. He faced danger in the city, in the country, at sea, and in rivers. He was often without sleep, food, water, and clothes. Not to mention, he was under all of the pressures of trying to form the early churches. (2 Corinthians 11:23-28)

Now before Paul was saved, he actually persecuted Christians. He was even present for and in approval of the disciple Stephen being stoned to death.

So did Paul endure all of these things as punishment for having persecuted the Jews?

Let’s see what Jesus said.

“But the Lord said to him, “Go, for  [Paul] is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”” – Acts 9:15-16

Jesus didn’t say Paul was being punished for his sins. Jesus said that Paul was a chosen vessel. Jesus said Paul was to suffer for His Name, not for his sins.

And what about when the disciples asked Jesus who had sinned that a man was born blind. What did Jesus say?

“Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.” – John 9:3

Again, the sufferings were for the cause of Christ.

Our sickness, our trials and tribulations, aren’t always because we are being punished for our sins.

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” – I Peter 4:12-13

I am not sick because I am being punished. No, I am enduring this suffering on earth so that Christ’s glory may be revealed.

But what glory is that?

As Paul said, because I have suffered and been comforted, I can now share that same comfort with those who still suffer. Because God has helped me overcome, I can now share that power with others to help them overcome. I have gone through this fiery trial to help others who are still going through it.

Do not look at your suffering as a curse. Look at it as a gift.

How amazing is it to know that God chose you? God chose you as a vessel, just as He chose Paul, to share His love and power. Just like He knew Job was righteous enough to withstand the turmoil that the devil threw on him, God knew you were strong enough to bear this cross.

“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” – 1 Peter 4:16

So whether you have overcome or are still fighting, speak out! Glorify God! Let it be known who is fighting this battle for you! Let it be known where your strength and endurance and joy comes from! Let it encourage others in the same way that Christ has encouraged you.

Do not keep your tests and testimonies to yourself. God gave them to you for a reason. Use them. Share them with others.

There truly is a purpose behind the pain. And let me tell you, it is an honor. It is worth it.