The Glory of Suffering

I know the prayers of many have been heard on our behalf. I'm thankful for that. Even in midst of the trial, there have been times I simply didn't know what to pray. The words just wouldn't come. So I needed to know there were intercessors standing in the gap. Thank you, dear friends.

And now I come to a place where I'm not questioning why God's plan is this - but I'm trying to discover what it is He wants me to learn from it.

Today I found 2 Peter 4:12-13, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the spiritual trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed."

I can honestly say that I'd much rather NOT go through the fire and trial. It's painful. It hurts. It's exhausting. But if this is what I must do to see His glory revealed, I willingly accept. As Oswald says, "Does it really matter that our circumstances are difficult? Why shouldn't they be! If we give way to self-pity and indulge in the luxury of misery, we remove God's riches from our lives and hinder others from entering into His provision."

I can attest to that. Had it not been for a house fire, a total loss, and all the things that still remain "unknown," I wouldn't also be experiencing the blessings, the prayers, the encouragement - and ultimately God's provision.

Oswald continues, "Before God becomes satisfied with us, He will take everything of our so-called wealth, until we learn that He is our source." Oh what a painful lesson to learn. To have everything stripped away. But what a freeing liberation to be unhindered and baggage-less to experience His full and abundant supply!

It doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. It doesn't mean it isn't painful. It just means that I can know and have faith that no matter the cost, no matter the sacrifice, no matter the level of perseverance, I can know He is working out His plan so that I might see His glory revealed.