Does suffering scare you? Read this!
1 Peter 2:19-25
For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
"He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth."When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
How do you read that passage?
This is what I think: When I am suffering for good, it means God TRUSTS me to accomplish His will. It means He wants something done and He trusts that I will obey Him and hold up under that suffering.
Suffering is not in vain! There is a purpose and reason! This is a higher calling! When I read this passage and let it seep into my soul, it changes the way I look at life. It changes my desires, my wants. There is actual joy that can be felt during suffering. Instead of saying "why me? poor me!" I raise my hands to Him and say THANK YOU God that you are a good God! I say to Him "YES Lord I will arise to your call." I say "Yes Lord I will answer that call!!"
Let me tell you suffering for Him tastes good. There is an aroma that starts within that floods your soul and seeps into you. It pours out of you and rises all the way up into heaven. It delights God and when He gets wind of that aroma He pours out His love, His peace, His joy and His help. It becomes a love dance between you and God!
Let me encourage you whatever your problem is: Don't give up! God is trusting you! He is waiting on you! What are you going to do? Rise up! Rise up with me and answer His call! He won't disappoint you!
3 comments:
Jennifer, your words are a wellspring of encouragent. When we follow the Lord, He works in all things for His glory and our good.
I am very thankful for your commitment and love for our Lord.
Love, Dad
Oh, man, Jennifer, this is rich. This is deep. Powerful. After talking on the phone with you about this scripture (how wonderful it is to have conversations about God's Word with my daughter!), I now know this is the basis of my new novel I'm writing. THIS is what it's all about. My character has to suffer, it's a hard life God's called her to, but it's a sweet life, and you said IT SO WELL!!!
Just can't tell you how powerful this post is!
Can you email this post to me? I tried copying and pasting, but it didn't work. Thanks, Sweetie.
Post a Comment