Through Darkness Comes Light Through Fear Comes Love and Through Pain Comes Triumph! Giving thanks when youre suffering seems like an idea so far-fetched nobody could take it seriously, yet that is exactly what God asks us to do. The apostle Paul, who knew more than his share of sorrow, counseled his young apprentice Timothy to do just that: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 TLV Rejoice always, pray constantly, in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ. Paul understood the spiritual benefit of giving thanks when youre hurting! It takes your focus off yourself and puts it on God. But how, in the middle of our pain, can we possibly give thanks? Let the Holy Spirit Speak for You! Paul was well aware of what he could and couldnt do. He knew his missionary work was far beyond his natural strength, so he relied heavily on the power of the Holy Spirit within him. Its the same with us... Only when we stop struggling and surrender to God can we allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. When we become a conduit for the Spirits power, God helps us do impossible things, like give thanks even when were hurting. Humanly speaking, you may not see anything you can be grateful for right now. Your circumstances are miserable, and youre desperately praying they will change. God hears you! The problem is that God also calls us to righteousness, and often that requires giving up our personal happiness for the greater good. This is referred to as sacrifice, and its never easy, fun, or happy! The apostle Paul reminds us that part of the Christian life is suffering for the sake of the cross. Romans 8:16-17 TLV The Holy Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. And if children, also heirs—heirs of God and joint-heirs with Messiah — if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. As Christians we are even called to rejoice and be glad in our trials because troubles are valuable to our character and spiritual growth. Romans 5:3-5 TLV says And not only that, but we also boast in suffering — knowing that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. So does God want us to suffer? Suffering for the sake of pain is not His desire, but there is a reason why we go through it! You may be wondering how anything positive could possibly come from your hurt? The apostle Paul wrote: Romans 8:28 TLV Now we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. Even though we seldom can see how God is using present trials for our future benefit, He has promised to use them for good, and He is faithful to keep His word. In a very real sense, though, we are focusing on the bigness of your circumstances and not on the bigness of God. God is All-Powerful!!! He may allow your situation to continue, but know this: God is in control, not your circumstances! Everything you are going through, every struggle, pain or hardship, is actually a gift! It is a gift because it is in the struggle that you are brought to your knees, where you question the purpose of your life. It is a gift because it asks you to search deeper into God’s Word and find the gold of who you are and for Who you were made! Be blessed, always! 🙏
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 12:07:46 +0000