Bible students know the importance of context. Context allows us to see a passage of Scripture for what it actually says as opposed to what, at first glance, it might be s-e-e-m to be saying. You can see this illustrated by comparing Satan’s presentation of Psalm 91:11-12 with Jesus’ (Matthew 4; Luke 4). Satan ignored context and distorted the text’s meaning, while Jesus’ honored it and illuminated its meaning.
In a similar way, I’d like to suggest that context can make all the difference when facing tough times in our lives. I’ve noticed how some (including myself), tend to overfocus on whatever the difficulty/issue is, minimize qualifying contexts, and end up with a distorted reality. It’s like trying us use a bumper for a mirror. (Good luck with that!)
This is why in texts addressed to disciples going through difficult times, while the biblical writers never ignore the harsh reality of their readers’ situations—they refuse to see that as the only truth worth telling! Instead, they remind their audiences of other elements that will enable them to have a fuller, more complete perspective.
In James 1 for example, James acknowledges the reality of his readers’ trials but doesn’t linger on them. Rather, his emphasis is on helping his audience understand how such events can (ultimately) lead to a stronger, deeper faith (v. 2-4). Later he mentions the “crown of life” those who persevere will receive. They are to see their trials as offering opportunity in addition to hardship.
Paul does the same kind of thing in Romans 5 when he speaks of disciples having “glory in our sufferings” (v. 3) and calls their attention to the specific areas of faith suffering can enhance (perseverance, character, hope – v. 4-5). When he picks up this subject again in 8:18ff, he wants to talk about the disciple’s future glory and how our current sufferings won’t be worth mentioning compared to “the glory that will be revealed in us” (v. 18). The verses that follow let us know Paul is thinking about the resurrection of our bodies.
He then goes on to talk about how the Spirit “helps us in our weakness” (v. 26). He then adds how “in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (v. 28). From there, Paul goes into overdrive. He poses the question, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (v. 35) and gives the amazing answer of v. 37-39 where he empties his toolbox. (And remember, he’s still dealing with the question of suffering).
What’s going on In these texts? James and Paul are refusing to speak about trials or suffering in any manner that isolates them from everything else—because it’s not realistic! They didn’t occur in a vacuum, so they won’t write about them as if they did. They want their readers to place their sufferings in a larger, deeper, richer context—the context of faith.
This is exactly what we need to do. Nothing needs to be ignored but everything needs to be put in the context of faith. When troubles come our way as they will, we must refuse to be “cellar dwellers” who look at them only from a perspective of doom and gloom. Instead, with eyes wide open we place our trials and suffering in the context of God’s love, His goodness in our lives, His promises, and other important faith-based realities.
Paul does this in Philippians 1 when he talks about his personal trial of imprisonment (12ff). He talks about how it provided him with the opportunity to “advance the gospel” and speaks of how it has become known “throughout the whole palace guard” (v. 12-13). It also helped brothers and sisters in Christ to “become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear” (v. 14). For his part, Paul knows that if his imprisonment leads to death he will go be with the Lord (v. 21) and if he survives it will mean “fruitful labor for me” (v. 22). It’s win-win!
When trouble comes our way, let’s remember to put it in context of faith!
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 