“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:15
Redound. It means to superabound. To contribute greatly to someone’s honor or credit.
It’s only found once in the Bible. Here. In the middle of a passage that tells us about how we are troubled, perplexed, persecuted, cast down.
Does that sound like where you are?
A few days ago, I posted a song on Facebook. And someone I’m not friends with sent me a message. Come to find out, she was one of my nurses from over 10 years ago. This is part of the message she sent:
“…I just listened to your song “It won’t last”. I can’t tell you how encouraging that song is. To make a long story short, I have cancer. It has recurred 2 times now in the last 16 months. I’ve had 2 surgeries and chemo. Currently awaiting tests to see if there is an immunotherapy that will potentially target my cancer. Basically as the doctors say, we’re looking for something to give me more time. I don’t rely on the doctors, I rely on God. The peace that He has given me is truly unexplainable. I know that he’s using my cancer to reach others. It hit me tonight through your song that He is not done with my life. I see it everyday how he uses my circumstances as an open door for me to share Christ with those around me. Many I’ve prayed for for years and 2 who are my own children. So saying all that, the words to your song have become my fighting anthem for this next season of my life and treatment. Thank you so much for letting God use you to encourage me and speak to me through your song! God bless you and continue to use you!
“Thank you so much for letting God use you….”
I haven’t always liked letting God use me. But it was one of the most heartfelt prayers I’ve ever prayed. “Lord, don’t let my pain be wasted.” Maybe it was just desperation because I couldn’t take the suffering anymore. And the only way to make it through was to trust that the Lord had a purpose.
But how can He get the glory from it, if I only share the pain? If I never tell of what HE has done?
So many have sent me similar messages. And I’ve watched that verse come to life in my darkest trial. Because of God’s abundant grace to carry me through this season of suffering, the thanksgiving of many has contributed greatly to God’s glory. It has superabounded.
Not to make something of Faith York. But to make something of the Savior who has sustained me. Through it all.
Because yes, we are troubled, perplexed, persecuted, cast down. But because of that abundant grace, we are not distressed. We are not in despair. We are not forsaken. We are not destroyed.
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17
Whatever we go through, no matter how hard, is but for a moment. It has a greater weight of glory.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to one day reach Heaven and meet those family members who were saved because of this sweet lady’s cancer? Because they saw a mama who allowed God to get the glory through her suffering. And she was encouraged to keep doing so because I allowed God to get the glory through mine.
Have you ever asked God to do that for you? I think it’s safe to say we all have situations in our lives where God could get the glory. But will you LET Him?
I know it’s difficult and it seems like it will never, ever end. But it’s only for a moment in light of eternity.
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10
The God of ALL grace has called us unto His ETERNAL glory.
And yes suffering will come. But not without purpose. And not without an end. “After that ye have suffered a while…”
It won’t last forever. This trial is going to end. And one day, I think we are going to wish that we had allowed the Lord to use more than we were willing to give Him.
Whatever you are facing today, remember:
The God of all grace is writing your story
And He’s not finished getting the glory.
So just hold on a little while longer!
In the end, God WILL get the glory. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if it redounds through you?
“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.” 1 Peter 4:13
“It Won’t Last Forever”
Words & Music by Faith York
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