SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(1 Peter 4:12-13) [12] Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: [13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
(James 1:2-4) [2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. [4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
(Romans 8:28) [28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
PROLOGUE
I've noticed that many ministers enjoy preaching about how suffering can serve a purpose and elevate us to greater things, often focusing on the life of Job and his hardships. They love to preach on how Job endured immense suffering yet refused to blame God for his difficulties, stressing that despite losing everything, Job's unwavering faith led to divine restoration, giving him double blessings and lasting honor.
I agree with them that the story of Job is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance in turning trials into blessings. However, a further study on the life of Job will reveal how his friends were convinced that Job had brought these sufferings upon himself.
Speaking on the suffering of Job and how suffering can be a blessing, let’s dive deeper into the life of Joseph, a man whose journey is marked by profound suffering and remarkable transformation. His brothers, driven by jealousy and resentment, sold him into slavery, which could have shattered his spirit.
It was through these ongoing trials and tribulations that Joseph forged a path toward greatness, developing a unique spirit of wisdom, resilience, and unwavering faith. His ability to interpret dreams caught the attention of Pharaoh, leading to his eventual rise to a position of power as a trusted advisor.
Later, it was during a time of severe famine that Joseph's life began to take meaning. His wisdom and strategic planning not only saved Egypt from disaster but also provided sustenance to countless people, including his own family, who had once turned against him.
Both Job's and Joseph's stories demonstrate that, often, our troubles are designed to serve us, leading us toward our divine purpose. When God delivers us, we discover that He has the power to “turn the curse into a blessing. When we view our struggles and challenges from this perspective, we can see them not merely as challenges but as vital steps on our journey, preparing us for greater things to come.
“DISCOVERING GOD’S PRESENCE AND COMFORT IN PAIN.”
The Lord began to deal with me about this message in May 2025. He had just burdened my heart with the desire to return to the US on June 7, 2025, and I knew I had a strong desire to attend the Association of Christian Truckers' fall Jamboree, which was scheduled to take place on September 25, 2025. As a minister and a former truck driver, I have personally experienced the transformative power of God's presence in times of suffering.
The Lord began to put thoughts in my heart about the sufferings we sometimes endure that help prepare us for something greater. He also started to share insights about the sufferings of Job and how his friends, who should have supported him, became miserable comforters by suggesting that Job had, through some unknown sin, brought this suffering upon himself.
The Lord then prompted me to reflect on the 1980s, when I tried to end my life for the third time. The incident occurred near the ACT truck stop chapel, situated on the truck stop property in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. This experience, and the divine intervention that followed, taught me firsthand about the comfort and guidance that God provides in our darkest moments.
Someone intervened and pointed to the chapel, telling me I could find some help there. The moment I entered the chapel, a pretty redhead dressed in white Go-Go boots approached me as if she knew why I had entered. She and her husband Joe seemed to have the right words, as if they were speaking directly from God to my troubled soul. I started requesting more West Coast trips and made a point to stop in and visit these wonderful chaplains, whom God had used to touch my soul.
Thinking on these incredible experiences, the Lord began to burden my heart concerning the great need for driver chaplains to be there for drivers seeking answers, and for some, like me, maybe even looking for a reason to live.
My thoughts were that Driver chaplains play a crucial role in supporting individuals who have experienced trauma, and they must receive comprehensive training in this area.
Chaplains need to understand the importance of listening and validating the experiences of those they are helping rather than offering solutions or answers. Building a trusting relationship through attentive listening can enhance the healing process for individuals suffering through a crisis.
“HOW CAN I FIND COMFORT IN PAIN?”
In Job’s situation, he needed a compassionate and focused listener who could genuinely understand and acknowledge his suffering. This underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in supporting those in pain.
When someone experiences intense emotional or physical pain, the best approach is often to limit verbal communication. Instead, offering quiet prayers for comfort and healing can provide support without adding to the person's distress.
The truth is, it can be excruciating to be misunderstood by those we consider close friends and family, and this is one of the most challenging moments illustrated in the story of Job, who faced judgment and misunderstanding from his friends during his trials.
It is crucial to refrain from assuming that you or anyone else possesses all the answers or that your advice is always sound, as each person's experience is unique and personal.
This message emphasizes that the most valuable form of support someone can provide to a person suffering through trauma is to be present, listen thoughtfully, and acknowledge their feelings without judgment.
If we are to be honest with ourselves and with God and reflect on our lives, we will admit that each of us has experienced the sting of being judged by well-meaning people, and we ourselves have been guilty of misjudging others.
God’s word describes Job as being a perfect and upright man, one who feared God and shunned evil. The greatest trial he was facing was not the pain and suffering from the boils that broke out all over his body, nor was it losing his children. His greatest pain was not being able to understand why God was allowing him to suffer.
The Holy Bible describes a time when the Sons of God appeared before God, and it mentions Satan being among them. It recounts a conversation in which Satan states he has little or no restraint as he walks across the earth, seeking someone to devour.
It describes God mentioning Job to Satan, and it discusses Satan reminding God of the hedge of protection around Job. God agrees to lift the protection but tells Satan that Job’s soul or life belongs to Him, and he is not allowed to take his life.
Job was unaware that God, in His dealings with Satan, had committed His entire reputation to Job's faithfulness. Throughout all the trials and suffering, we see that Job chose to trust God regardless of circumstances, declaring, "Although He slay me, yet will I trust Him."
Job's wife, seeing his suffering, said, "Why don’t you curse God and die?” To which Job rebuked her, saying, "You speak as a foolish woman. Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?”
In summary, I want to emphasize that ultimately, we see that God rebuked Job’s friends and restored him to a life of happiness and prosperity. He received twice as much as he lost during the trial, including twice as many children. We may not fully understand the pain and suffering we go through, but, like Job and Joseph, trials can help us and will lead us to develop a deeper bond and strengthen our relationship with God.
“THE PAINFUL BEAUTY IN SPIRITUAL REFINEMENT.”
Spiritual refinement is a journey that often mixes joy and sorrow, enlightening the soul with new clarity while also testing our deepest vulnerabilities, faults, and weaknesses. This challenging journey can be both beautiful and painful. Each step we take by faith may bring challenges and discomfort, but the outcome leads to profound growth and a deeper understanding of who we truly are.
Every challenge we face pushes us toward greater emotional and spiritual depth. It is in the tension of these experiences that we discover the beautiful richness of our spiritual journey, marked by grace, understanding, and a steadfast commitment to personal growth.
I remember a powerful message I heard years ago that left a lasting impression. It focused on the careful and often challenging process of making high-quality arrows for big-game hunting.
The message highlighted that each arrow must go through a series of important development stages, each adding to its overall strength and effectiveness. I clearly recall the minister sharing insights from his extensive research on the complex arrow-making process
He emphasized in his message that, instead of choosing a perfectly straight stick, they deliberately picked a crooked one. This choice was based on a thorough understanding of the materials they used. While a straight stick might seem ideal initially, it is more likely to break under stress because it lacks flexibility.
To turn the crooked stick into a strong arrow, the artisans started by soaking it in oil for several days. This step was essential, as the oil not only made the wood more flexible but also prepared it for shaping. After soaking, the stick was placed in vices, where it was carefully shaped and molded.
The minister's explanation became more vivid as he described how they would periodically add more oil to the stick, allowing it to absorb the nourishing substance while gradually tightening the vice. This process illustrated a powerful analogy: just as the stick becomes stronger with care and pressure, so too can we find strength in our own challenges.
Drawing this comparison to our spiritual lives, I realized how relatable this process is. There are moments when we feel as though we are on the verge of falling apart, weighed down by life’s challenges. Yet, it is during these times that the master carpenter—the ultimate craftsman—comes alongside us. He pours out a blessing of oil, symbolizing grace and comfort, which softens our burdens and eases our struggles.
He emphasized in his message that after blessing the oil, and without warning, He tightens the vice even more, introducing new pressures and challenges. As a result, instead of facing difficulties from just one direction, we find ourselves confronting many at once.
The difficulties and challenges we face throughout our lives act as essential "vices," urging us to confront our weaknesses and ultimately grow stronger. These trials, though often painful and uncomfortable, play a vital role in our spiritual growth. They push us out of our comfort zones and encourage us to reflect on our values, beliefs, and priorities.
In summary, I want to emphasize that during these difficult times, we are not alone; His protection and presence surround us, providing guidance and support even in our darkest moments. This reassurance stays with us through all of life's challenges, lasting until the very end of the world. Faced with these experiences, faith can lead to profound personal growth, spiritual development, and resilience.
MY CONCLUSION
It is sometimes easy for us to get the mindset that we know all the answers, but the truth we need to realize is that God planned our lives, the end from the beginning, and He alone knows why things happen the way they do.
Throughout this message, we have found that trouble can be viewed either as a challenge to overcome or as a divine gift from God that helps us develop greater strength, wisdom, and understanding of the importance of trials.
When we examine trials from a biblical perspective, we can uncover deeper insights that reveal their intended purpose in our lives. We will come to understand that Many of these trials are designed to serve us, acting as guiding principles that lead us toward fulfilling our divine purpose.
By reflecting on their significance and purpose, we can gain a deeper understanding of how they shape our journey and help us align our faith with God's will and purpose.
One of the most comforting aspects of God's grace in suffering is the assurance of His presence and the sufficiency of His grace. It is a transforming love that will always be there to comfort and guide us to His will and purpose.
In conclusion, I want to say that through many years of ministry, I have come to realize that God has the incredible power to “turn what we think is a curse into a blessing.” Looking at life from this viewpoint, we can begin to see our struggles not just as difficulties but as essential steps on our journey, preparing us for greater things ahead.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
