BIBLE PASSAGE:
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know
that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character;
and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God
has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom
He has given us.
(Romans 5:3-5)
MEDITATION:
What kind of disappointments have you had in your life? Sometimes we
buy things that disappoint us due to their poor quality. Sometimes people
disappoint us, either because they don’t meet our expectations, or because
they betrayed our trust, or because they did some things that they knew
they should not do, or because they failed to keep a promise they made,
or…….(fill in the blank).
Wouldn’t it be nice to have at least one thing that won’t disappoint you?
The scriptures tell us that ‘hope’ will NEVER disappoint us. So what do
we need to do to acquire the hope mentioned in God’s Word?
First of all, we need to rejoice in our sufferings. Of course, the sufferings
themselves aren’t reasons for rejoicing, but thinking about the benefits of
suffering gives us reason to rejoice.
Sufferings can be an illness that we are going through, or maybe witnessing
the health complications of a loved one. We can also suffer from situations
in our life (job pressures; loss of a job; financial problems; marital issues;
worrying about the bad choices of a loved one; loss of a loved one; etc.).
Sometimes suffering goes away quickly, but at other times it can last for a
long time. When we endure it for a long time and can’t do anything to get
relief, it develops patience in us, as we wait (and hopefully pray a lot while
we’re waiting) for the situation to improve.
According to God’s Word, patience (perseverance) is a virtue that builds
character in us. This Godly character is what opens the door for our hope.
When we are struggling, hope in the Lord is the only light we can see at
the end of the tunnel.
He is the One Who can ‘get us through’ our times of suffering. One of the
ways He helps us endure suffering is by pouring His love into our hearts.
He does this through the Holy Spirit, who inhabits the lives of those who
have placed their hope in the Lord.
Just as athletes work their muscles to gain strength, when believers are
tested, it can be a time of strengthening their resistance to temptations.
Through suffering, we discover that firsthand that the Lord is with us,
and we have new hope that He will also be with us when we are tempted.
ACTION:
Questions to consider:
– Have you been through a time of suffering lately?
– Are you struggling with a situation right now?
– In either case, have you discovered the benefits of suffering?
When we are suffering, we can either sink into a state of depression,
or we can look at our situation as a time of spiritual growth. If we
become depressed, it can be a ‘slippery slope’ toward more problems.
For instance, depression can cause us to isolate ourselves from others,
and they may be the ones God planned to use for speaking to us and
giving us encouragement. The Lord knows what we need and He may
have plans to show us love and compassion through someone we have
isolated ourselves from. God has given selected believers the spiritual
gift of mercy, and they can speak to us in special ways that assure us
of their concern, compassion, love, and understanding of our suffering.
If we consider our situations as a time of spiritual growth, it doesn’t
mean we like the situation we are in, but when we consider the benefits,
of our trials, we find that we can cope, persevere, develop Godly some of
the characteristics of Jesus and experience a new hope.
We all know how suffering can impact our emotions, words, actions and
attitudes. We can get the idea that we are being punished so no apparent
reason while others continue to live their lives in a normal fashion. When
we think that way, it can cause us to become bitter and even angry toward
others that aren’t suffering like we are.
Consequently, we need to resist any feelings of anger, depression, frustration,
isolation, or hardheadedness that can rob us of our opportunity for spiritual
growth. How can we do that? Is it even possible? Yes, it is possible, but it means
we need to draw nearer to the Lord who can show us the benefits of our suffering.
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You know what I need the most in my life and
when I need it. You also know how much I dislike suffering of any
kind. Thank You for helping me understand that suffering can be
a time of spiritual growth. I know now that I can not only endure,
but I can become a better person during and after my ‘season’ of
suffering. Jesus, I pray when I am tempted to allow suffering to
devastate me, I will remember the example You have given us for
coping with the unpleasant and unasked for suffering in our lives.
Thank You for how You endured unimaginable emotional and
physical pain so I would have the opportunity to spend eternity
with You. When I read about what You did for me, I have no
reason to doubt the width and depth of Your love for me and
everyone else. You are our Savior who we praise, worship, trust,
love, and commit to following!”
BLOG: utvolwoody.wordpress.com
BREAD FOR BELIEVERS 
Discussion
No comments yet.