Suffering With Intent
For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
I Peter 3:17
Suffering happens in everyone’s life no matter who they are. Death, destruction, and heartache is all around us where we live. It can be depressing as we watch the news or read the newspaper when we see all the trials and sufferings. We have all seen people who seem to be joyous during suffering, those who seem to be able to handle it well, or keep it together. It can make you wonder how do they do it?
As I was reading I Peter 3 this morning, the Holy Spirit brought something to my attention. We all suffer, whether we know Christ or not. Knowing Christ doesn’t do away with suffering, at times it can enhance it, but not knowing Christ doesn’t stop suffering either. When we know Christ during our suffering we can realize that it’s not for nothing or just fate. When we are hid in Christ, we can know that sufferings have a meaning. We have hope and faith that God knows what He is doing when we suffer and endure trials. He purposes all things to work out for the good of those who love Him.
Suffering is part of the journey sometimes and at other times it’s judgement. Both of these are meant to draw us closer to our Father. For most who do not know Christ, they see suffering as just part of life with no intent behind the trials. It is just meaningless and meant to slow them down. Oh but for those mature Christ followers, we can know trials are to purify us and make us more like our Creator. How amazing is He to love us enough to refine us. Suffering many times will bring us to our knees if we allow it. We’re privileged if we can know there is meaning behind our suffering, there is intent. It’s an intent created by a Holy God who sees what we can be on the other side of suffering.
If you’re suffering today, go to your Father in prayer and seek His intent during the suffering. He is polishing the gem He wants you to be.
Father, thank You for suffering that brings endurance. Thank You that we can become more like Your Son, Jesus. Help us to seek You when we suffer and seek what You desire from us. May we never curse the suffering, though it hurts. Help us to embrace it and draw closer to You. You are so loving and mighty. You are All Knowing and You are Justice. May our eyes be opened spiritually to Your plan. In Jesus’ name Amen.
Amen! That is my prayer also, Heather.
May my prayer echo yours when suffering hits. I know that God will word out good during the times of testing and trials.