by David Brenneman
"But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” John 11:4.
"So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive." Acts 9:39-41.
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right." 1 Peter 4:12-19.
What we go through, no matter how it's understood by Christians or non-Christians alike, has a purpose under Heaven.
It's by the grace of God that we do go through so much in our lives. What kind of Savior would we have if He saved us then left us to find our way to Heaven?
Our walk with Jesus isn't for His Spiritual health but rather ours.
I don't pretend to know or to understand why I have been through or to know why I am currently going through the things permitted in it. I just know that through it all my Savior is here. He's here in this moment and every moment I have ever existed.
I may feel the deepest of loneliness and He's still there. I might feel pain that other's don't see or have a clue is going on. He's there.
Last night I had great trouble and sorrows that I brought to Jesus in prayer. Yes, He was and is there.
My life isn't unique...the Bible says that He was a man of sorrows well acquainted with grief. He knew how lonely lonely can get. He knew how people will think.
He allowed various lives to be where they were when encountered them so that the works of God might be manifested in Him as coming from God.
Mark Lowry once said his favorite verse his life verse in fact was "And it came to pass". He explains...and it came to pass...it didn't come here to stay.
Life comes at us hard sometimes but it's not here to stay. The works of God will only allow those hard times, even grief, to only last as long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in us.
We need to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto us.
We need to sometimes just stay with Jesus for a while one-on-one because even the Believer's in our lives today aren't getting it.
Grief, stress and suffering, aren't meant for the human race. Sin brought these into the world.
The workmanship of Jesus in us is to make us more like Christ. This is going to mean times of pain and suffering. Going to mean times of joy. Going to mean periods that we haven't got a clue. We just can keep putting one foot in front of the other in obedience whether or not the people in our lives understand.
I have a rather long history of people not understanding what I am doing or are going through. Didn't matter because the works of God in me prevailed.
Truth is trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus...but to trust and obey.
There's only one way to Heaven for Believer's and it's through everything meant for you to go through in Christ. Job only learned after his death. Daniel after coming up out of the lion's den. Lazarus after coming back from the dead.
Joseph after helping Pharaoh.
We also need to consider this...we're not meant to stay where we were. We go through things for a season then we move on.
The Great Shepherd calls His sheep that hear His voice to go where He leads. Even if it's the valley of the shadow of death.
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
My current season will end at the appointed time set by my Savior.
So will yours. Great things happening? It will pass. Sorrowful things happening? These too shall pass.
Seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness...standing firm in these things we have been taught and are convinced of in Christ.
All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.
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