I have been keeping most of my posts private lately- not because I don't want to share, not out of shame, simply because I want to make sure I am saying what I know God wants me to. Tonight though, I just wanted to get in here and share some positive thoughts- no one can deny those are always great!
Growing up in a Christian home, having a father and family who has led by example all my life, I strayed from the path I needed to be on and resented Christ for so many things. I blamed him for the bad and didn't praise him for the good. My dad had always told me over and over again, "God has a plan... suffering will make you a better person.... trust in Him." So much easier said than done, especially with bad attitude I held grip on for way too long. I want to share some things that have been on my mind in regards to suffering and trusting in Christ:
1 Peter 5:10b says, "So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support and strengthen you and he will place you on a firm foundation."
So- why? Why do we have to suffer? Suffering results in thanksgiving. Think about this- if God only blesses us after we give our lives to him and become believers then wouldn't this be a way to bribe people to the Lord? This isn't the way God works. He desires for us to come to him through love. As humans, we need him- He's the only one who can fill that need or desire. Christ wants us when we are broken, at our very worse. When people see us, as Christians, turn to him in times of suffering, they also too see our victories. They are witnessing God work through the trials and tribulations. This shows the presence of God in our lives, and can make people aware of what they are missing.
What about that time in between suffering and thanksgiving- where does your mind go? "If God really loved me then why is he allowing this to happen?!" Turn to the Lord for help- ALWAYS. He answers our prayers and can set us free. Because of this, we can enjoy life in the midst of struggles because we know that God will be victorious. He works on our behalf- how great is that? He is brewing these storms for us to not only find light in the midst but also to bring others to him.
So, I close with this- Psalm 34:17-18, Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.
Xo!
