Wow! My heart was moved by the many comments left on yesterday’s post. Adversity comes in all forms and leaves no one untouched by its hand. I found myself praying for each of you and your circumstances. I felt compelled to continue our conversation on suffering. I hope today’s post will encourage you and shed more light on the topic as well.
In 1 Peter 1: 6-7, we come to understand a little about the positive side of suffering.
“In this greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trial. That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
This is the delightful irony of Christianity. Peter suggests in his opening statement that you and I can be joyful in the midst of trials. I talked about this in yesterday’s post using James 1:2-4. You and I can experience joy when we look to the end result of our suffering. What’s our suffering producing—Christ-like character.
Secondly, Peter goes on to say that our trails only last for a while.
“In this greatly rejoice, though for a little while.”
How do we endure the cold, flu infested months of winter? We endure because we know spring is coming. Likewise we can endure hard-times because they soon shall pass. Praise Jesus!
That’s not all. Peter also warns us that adversity is coming.
“If need be, you have been grieved by various trails.”
That means we can expect turbulent times. But somehow they always surprise us.
Finally, we discover that our trials have purpose. They prove the genuineness of our faith.
“That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Peter explains this process by contrasting our faith with pure gold. Of all the substances we have available to us, gold is the most imperishable. It can withstand intense heat. While gold does eventually perish through use, pressure, and fire, true faith is indestructible. A believer can go through intense fiery trails without having her faith destroyed. Instead, her trial becomes food for faith to feed on. And a strong, unwavering faith not only brings glory to God. It becomes a blessing to others as well.
It reminds me of this story…
A little piece of wood once complained bitterly because its owner kept whittling away at it, cutting it, and filling it with holes, but the one who was cutting it so persistently paid no attention to its complaining. He was making a flute out of that piece of ebony, and he was too wise to cease from doing so, even though the wood complained bitterly. He seemed to say, “little piece of wood, without these holes, and all this cutting, you would be a black stick for ever—just a useless piece of ebony. What I am doing now may make you think that I am destroying you, but, instead, I will change you into a flute, and your sweet music will charm souls and comfort many a sorrowing heart. My cutting you is the making of you, for only thus can you be a blessing in the world.”
Now for the winner of An Untroubled Heart…
Christine from Csierra!! Congrats, Christine!
Please email me at miccacampbell@comcast.net with your mailing address.
Tiffany says
This blog entry truly blessed me and restored my faith in the Lord's ability to bring good out of every situation, without promising me a trouble free life. He has equipped me to do all things and he said that he would not put more on me than I could bear, he is molding and shaping me for his glory. Thank you for this entry.
Susan says
I have suffered–still am, in some aspects. I have decided, after reading these past two devotions, that on days that I feel like running away, I will ask him what he has in store for me. I am SO tired of living in hurt, and asking God why he allows it. This is a fresh perspective, and I'll change the "Lord, why?" to "Lord, what and where?"
Thanks so much, Micca.
Tracey says
The questions I am struggling with are WHY my 6 yr old son Conor was born with Down syndrome, WHY did he then get Autism and now WHY does he have to get Celiac Disease? He didn't deserve any of this and I can't figure out for the life of me what good it is possibly doing for him or anyone else. It will only increase the possibility of further illnesses in his future, plus he cannot cognitively grasp all that has been handed to him. I am extremely bitter and so is my husband. We do everything possible to help him, but are afraid it will never be enough.
Tracey – teitei@ptd.net
Allison says
Micca,
I have been truly blessed by this post as well. I am someone who looks at the negative and expects the negative, when the negative keeps coming. Today, as I prayed and wrote in my journal the Lord really put it on my heart to think a positive thought when I have a negative one. To replace the negative with the positive, because there are more positives than negatives.
I believe that suffering draws us closer to Jesus, if we let Him in. If. I need to make the choice to let go of past and present pain and hurt and move on to what He has in store for us:)
Thank you, Micca:) You are an amazing vessel for the Lord!