Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. (Matthew 6:9)

Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. (vv. 7-9)

In this chapter, Paul addresses the Corinthians with the tenderness of a gentle father, desiring the very best for his children and laboring in prayer day and night for their growth in holiness, that they may be found without blemish. This reflects the character of the Father Himself, who blesses us abundantly. The highest of all His blessings is the Kingdom of God, where we will dwell forever in imperishable bodies and incorruptible spirit.

Yet we must be instructed and prepared for that Kingdom. Through many sufferings, our faith is strengthened, like silver refined seven times in the fire. As the Word dwells within us, we too are refined—purified and shaped according to His will.

The words of the LORD are pure words; Like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, filtered seven times. (Psalm 12:6)

There may be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, selfishness, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances within your church. Though false believers stir up trouble and seek to draw the faithful away, the saints are, through such turmoil, being trained and strengthened, so that their faith may grow more steadfast.

The devil strove fiercely against Jesus Christ, even leading Him to death. Yet through Christ’s suffering and death, eternal life was secured for us. In this, it is made clear that the devil, though called the prince of this world, is ultimately powerless and destined to perish.

God is the author of the story in which we live, sovereign over all things and able to bring His purposes to pass. Even suffering—though its purpose is often hidden from us—works toward our good in the end. The death of Christ was a stumbling block and a deep sorrow to His disciples at the time, but later they understood, as the Holy Spirit opened their eyes.

Many in this world experience suffering and ask God for its reason. Yet our understanding is limited, and we do not always perceive His purposes. Still, nothing occurs without meaning. All things move toward their appointed end: the Kingdom of God. There, we come to know God truly as our Father—one who loves us and cares for us. Though our bodies may perish, His Word endures forever, and in Him we are made one with the Word.

And a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man (he had not consented to their plan and action), a man from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who was waiting for the kingdom of God— this man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. (Luke 23:50-52)