Blessed Suffering

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy," (1 Peter 4:12-13 NKJV).

At first glance, the title of this post seems wrong. Our humanity looks at the words blessed and suffering and does not see them working together. However, they complement one another quite well in the heavenly realm.

Everyone wants to be blessed We all long to see the pain stop, the cancer or disease to be healed, the relationship to be restored, the wayward child to return home, the money we need to appear, along with many other things, some of which you may be thinking of right now. I don't think we go out looking to embrace suffering, rather we seem to recoil and run from it. However, everyone has or will experience it.

Suffering can be blessed when we choose to embrace it when we experience it. Jesus tells us, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world," (John 16:33b NKJV emphasis mine). It is clear from this passage of Scripture that we will experience suffering but it comes with a promise to remember. Jesus has overcome the world. This is what we hold on to. This is where we can shine for Jesus.

We may be walking through some difficult valleys right now but we can choose how we walk. We can choose to hang our heads, drag our feet, and go through the struggle kicking and screaming, or we can embrace where we are and hold our heads high - looking away to Jesus - , walk on with steadfast assurance, and even skip and sing, praising the Lord for "counting us worthy to suffer for Him."

This may seem impossible but it isn't. I encourage you to memorize this Scripture - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). In Christ we are all overcomers. I also encourage you to listen to Mandisa's song "Overcomer." You can find it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8VoUYtx0kw

There is such hope in this song. The truth is that whether we are healed on this earth or healed in heaven is up to the Lord and He knows what is best for each of us. He loves us beyond anything we can imagine. It is through His will that we are here. Nothing comes to us that He doesn't allow. So you can rest knowing that if you are walking through a valley right now He is either right beside you or carrying you. You are not alone. Choose today to embrace your suffering, giving the burden to the One who understands completely. He will love you and guide you through. One day, you will be able to look back and see God's fingerprints all over your situation.

Heavenly, gracious, and merciful Father,
Thank You for Your promise to never leave nor forsake us. Thank You that we never need to walk through a dark valley alone. Lord, I call on You in Jesus' name to touch each heart who reads this post and seeks You out. Fill them with your blessed assurance that You are with them. May You be their sufficiency and meet their needs, bringing them to a place of healing in Your perfect timing. Grant them Your peace Lord in Jesus' name, Amen.