When someone passes into eternity it causes reflection. As people reflect on the life now departed, they are reminded about how that person influenced their lives. Often comforting surprises come to light as people begin to share their memories. When my father-in-law passed away recently, we were greatly blessed to hear of many stories of his impact for Christ in people’s lives.
Most knew my father-in-law as “Mike.” He was well-known for a life of strong faith in Jesus Christ along with much physical suffering and challenges. His testimony encouraged many. Mike served as a pastor in several churches, the last one for over thirty years in southeast Georgia. He served in the out-of-the-way places of little reputation in the wider world scene, but God used him. His faithfulness amidst severe trials served as a continual tool for both evangelism and encouragement of other believers, some who never even met him but just heard his story.
Their Deeds Follow Them
Revelation 14:12-13 speaks of many believers in Christ Jesus who remain faithful to Him in death and suffering during the horrors of the Tribulation. The apostle John says, “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.”[1]
John then quotes a voice from heaven in his vision saying, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” This is followed by a direct quote of the Holy Spirit’s response to these words: “Blessed indeed, that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”
God rewards, even honors, His people who endure hard things for His name’s sake and continue to serve Him faithfully in the midst of great trial and difficulty. Faithfulness to Christ in such times leads to fruitful testimony and ministry to others in life, ongoing blessing to others in their memories, and eternal reward from God. Praise the Lord for examples of men and women who endure in obedience and faith regardless of their circumstances!
Suffering with Patience Opens a Door
After his death, we received a note from a younger pastor friend of his. This brother gave us a copy of a letter that Mike sent to him and his wife when Mike received word that the wife had multiple sclerosis (MS). He referred to Mike’s note as “words of wisdom.”
Mike wrote,
‘My life has been affected by diseases of various sorts for 40 years now. I think God often puts His saints in dire straits to demonstrate that His grace is sufficient. We may think the praise we could offer for healing would trump submission to our Father’s will. The witness of a child of God who has been allowed to suffer, and does so with patience, carries far more weight than that of one who has no difficulties in life. Their faith is untested. People are watching to see if our faith is genuine and if God is enough to give us contentment.
I didn’t really know how my faith would respond until one of my earlier hospitalizations of dozens. I was so sick and in such agonizing pain for ten days that I felt death was about to occur. At that realization I had perfect peace. I have also been able to encourage many other sufferers who are going through the same things I am.
All humans suffer. Believers have great grace to endure. Our suffering opens the door to point others toward our eternal blessings and remind all observers that this life is temporary and fraught with peril. I pray that God’s very best for you will be yours and that if this dramatically changes your life that it will be your new ministry.’”
Only the Comforted Can Give Comfort
Mike Mann could offer such words of comfort because he turned to Jesus in faith and obedience when suffering. He knew God’s peace. Mike was not a perfect man. He struggled and fought against discouragement and weariness with suffering as all of us do. But he kept turning to Jesus, which resulted in his own growth and comfort. This enabled him to point other sufferers to God’s peace and joy in the midst of their afflictions as well. Many have expressed to our family the profound influence of Mike’s consistent faith in suffering has had upon them.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 speaks to this:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Our Response to Suffering Matters—A Lot!
Our faith and obedience in the midst of suffering matters—a lot! It matters not just in regards to our own relationship with God, but because both unbelievers and fellow saints look on. When we respond in faith, as Mike did, we shine the light of the Gospel brightly. When we endure well in God’s grace, our example strengthens God’s people to do the same.
The opposite holds true as well—if we don’t respond in faith and obedience to Jesus in our afflictions, our gospel light dims down greatly, and we become a source of discouragement to other believers.
May God help each one of us to know the peace and rest found through obedience and faith amidst afflictions. May He keep our hearts fixed upon the final rest to come and the rewards to be given by our Lord for faithfulness.
[1] All Scripture quotations are from the ESV unless otherwise noted.
