Through pain God calls us away from self-reliance to faith and trust in him.
God has shown that such faith and trust is well placed by two things. First of all, he came to our rescue in Jesus of Nazareth who taught and did good, ushering in the kingdom of God, and ultimately sacrificing himself for us lost sinners. That shows God’s good will toward us. But he also rose from the dead. God’s intent toward us is not merely an impotent good will. He is mighty to save.
We may have to go through much trouble and tribulation to enter the kingdom of God. But our entry is assured, and his salvation is gloriously good.
