Sometimes it is hard to keep a smile on your face. It is downright inauthentic to smile (stoically through clenched teeth maybe?) when life takes a turn of events that are tragic, painful, hurtful, difficult. Pain tells us something is wrong. It may be something we can change but then it also may be something beyond our power to impact. 1 Peter 1: 3-9 brings me comfort at these times.
Praise to God for a Living Hope from the NIV Bible :
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
We weren't promised prosperity or peace. Will we go through troubles in life? Jesus said to his disciples in John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Shalom.
5 comments:
It's the very trials in life that mold us into the people we are called to be. I have experienced much pain in my life, but I would never change any of it because it has molded me into what I am today, and frankly I like who I am, and God LOVES who I am... thanks be to God!
I agree and it is in the trials of life that we discover our priorities, some set on Christ, some not...at least it has been that way for me. So while I try to avoid the pain I also welcome it because I want to walk the walk, not just talk it:)
This is wonderful. I am experiencing an uncertain time right now and your message is not only wise but timely as well.
Sincerely,
Darly
Thanks for the thoughts, Pam, and for the reminder of the great passage in I Peter!
I was just sharing with a friend today, how when I look back on my 10 years of full-time ministry, I feel nothing but gratitude, even for the messy times, because they have enabled me to have a much bigger view of God and His grace, and that has in turn made me a better Messenger on His behalf!
So, I echo you 100%... Praise God even for the struggles!
Jeff
Thank you. This is one of the more sensible things I've read lately. I have a loved one suffering excruciating physical pain and there are a number of voices now surrounding the events in Florida that can make one feel guilty and faithless for being in pain. A person in pain needs that extra burden like a hole in the head.
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