Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. (4:12-13)
"You tell me in this letter (and in nearly every previous one) not to expect things to always go well, not until heaven. I get that. And in James, You told me to welcome unforeseen troubles when they come. I sort of get that too. But then You tell me to go a step beyond welcoming. In this letter, You want me to actually rejoice when bad things happen and even (I think You're saying this) to rejoice at the prospect of bad things that might yet happen [1:6] because in this life I'm participating in 'the sufferings of Christ' (4:12-13). That's something I don't get. And I don't do it, at least not very well and not consistently. I too often anticipate trouble with fear." 66 LLI know I've said it before, but this has been an incredibly difficult year. Fear. Grief. Serious anger. Reopening old wounds. Strained and broken relationships. Disappointment. Major feelings of inadequacy. This path is not what I would have ever chosen for myself, and I'm afraid I've done more whining and crying than rejoicing, desperately wanting to avoid any pain.
But with the benefit of a little hindsight, I can see how much God has been working in my soul through my suffering. He's giving me the courage to face reality, to quit hiding behind a facade, and to bring my deepest fears into the light. He's deepening my love for Him, my desire to walk intimately with Him, and my commitment to His ways instead of my ways. Again, not in the way I wanted, but He's definitely at work in my heart.
"[God says:] I have not promised to heal sickness, poverty, unemployment, painful emotions, or relational problems...not until heaven...Pray for them but never demand them. Don't expect me to keep promises I have not made.
"I heal waywardness, not difficulties. I make the journey possible, not easy." 66 LL
So if you find life difficult because you're doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he's doing, and he'll keep on doing it. (4:19)Father, thank You for making my journey home possible. I'm grateful that You count me worthy to be refined. I pray that I won't shrink back from all You're doing in my life. I pray that I'll learn to rejoice in the suffering, and in the prospect of future suffering, because I trust You. I know that can only come from the work of Your Spirit in my heart.
3 comments:
Can't tell you how many times the LORD uses your posts CiCi, just like this one, to let me know I'm not alone in this struggle and journey of faith. I'm so, so thankful for your openness and honesty, your willingness to share your heart and the truth about what's going on, not just in your life, but in you. Be encouraged sister - He is indeed shining brightly through you. You're beautiful!
"I heal waywardness, not difficulties." Ooohh. That touches me where I sit this day.
And as for you, Cici, Heb 10:39 - you don't ever shrink back, you are of those who have faith. It so shows in how you handle your life.
Waiting quietly with you both.
Lam 3:26.
Ah, I too am struggling with this as I think God is just bringing me from one difficult season into another difficult season. I'm wondering how to rejoice, how to find the joy and really desire His glory to be revealed in it. God's Words bring comfort though, because He is telling us as we suffer according to God's will, we should continue to commit ourselves faithfully and continue to do good.
That's all I can do is try to walk forward in His grace and pray I am just following His will. This post about 1 Peter 4 really encouraged me greatly. Like Caroline said, thanks for opening up reality and sharing that you feel like you have been whining and complaining and not rejoicing. I, too, feel that way!!! I'm constantly saying, this is hard, this is hard and that is hard! And it is robbing my joy. It's amazing on the other side of that though to look at His grace and focus more on His grace through all of the difficult things, the things that bring suffering definitely help refine us and draw us to Him. I am thankful. That brings rejoicing. :) Thirsting for the comfort, peace and Truth in the Word.
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