What We Learn About God Amid Suffering - Part 2 (Santosh Poonen)

When God allows us to go through suffering, He wants to reveal to us just how great is His: compassion (James 5:11) and power (II Corinthians 12:8-10). Through our suffering, we are reminded of God’s heart that none should perish: God knows every detail of what is happening to us (Job 23:10 TLB). Out of his immense love for us He warns us that amid suffering, our heart is in greater danger than our body! He warns us not to leave our first love (Revelation 2:4-5; Matthew 24:12-13). He urges us not to fear (Revelation 2:10; Luke 12:1-7; Isaiah 8:13 TLB). He warns us against worldliness (Revelation 2:14-15). He warns us against spiritual adultery (Revelation 2:20). He warns us against hypocrisy (Revelation 3:1). He warns us against spiritual laziness (Revelation 3:11). He warns us against pride and spiritual blindness (Revelation 3:17). The Spirit calls, “Wake up!… Remember!… Repent!… Hold Fast!” Through our suffering, we are reminded of God’s promises to the overcomer: Despite our failures, the Spirit is still speaking to the churches, for all who will hear. God promises that the overcomers will eat of the Tree of Life which is in the Paradise of God (Revelation 2:7). God promises that the overcomers will not be hurt by the second death (Revelation 2:11). God promises that the overcomers will be given hidden manna and a personalized white stone with a secret name on it (Revelation 2:17). God promises that the overcomers will have authority like Jesus has received from the Father (Revelation 2:26). God promises that the overcomers will be clothed in white garments and confessed before the Father by Jesus (Revelation 3:5). God promises that the overcomers will be made pillars in God’s temple and given a new secret name (Revelation 3:12). God promises that the overcomers will sit with Jesus on thrones (Revelation 3:20).