Suffering: Purpose Revealed Through Love

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the suffering of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4: 12,13 NIV)

Surprised?

I assure you, I was surprised. I could not believe the situation I found myself. Of course, by the time a person is 24 years old, one would think we have experienced it all.(insert laugh :)) Until, you set foot deeper into God’s will for your life. There are lessons to learn and character to refine. I realize my suffering during this time does not measure to severe suffering happening around the world for Christ. Let’s take Monday’s discussion and apply this scripture. Fast lane towards spiritual maturity, here we come.

Love defined:

• Love is patient,
• Love is kind.
• It does not envy,
• It does not boast,
• It is not proud.
• It is not rude,
• It is not self-seeking,
• It is not easily angered.
• It keeps no record of wrongs.
• (1 Corinthians 13: 4,5 NIV)

Understand 

Funny… how convenient this scripture is used for weddings, yet easily forgotten day to day. Understand why God chose us out of this world and mix with the true definition of love for an instant reaction for change. All negative feelings produced by various causes are traded when love is allowed to seep into all corners infusing our hearts then minds. Reflect the Biblical definition of love. What strikes me most is no records of wrongs. Records of wrong keeps forgiveness from happening. If we heed the prior traits, we may not reach wrongs to be recorded.

Suffering

The reason we go through any trial or suffering, is to bring glory back to God. When God’s glory is revealed, you can trust you will feel overjoyed. This is a feeling I receive after each blog written. If I skipped 11 years in my “suffering”, I would have no understanding to write a single thought. God led me through a refining fire as a reluctant participant, fussing all the way. He is patient and I feel He gets a good laugh as much as I do when we think back. However, it was not funny then nor what you are going through.

Purpose

Allow God to mold you into His likeness for the purpose He created for you. This does not mean silent enemies go away nor family and friends forget your rough edges. It does mean, you are able to walk forgetting all their wrongs as love permeates from your inner being. Let’s catch on to this thought, our world could change and all glory brought back to Christ. Dig Deep Wednesday!

Be encouraged!