Paul said that he “considered that the sufferings of this present time are not
worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Truly,
this is my hope and the anchor to my soul and the topic for this blog.
The sufferings of this present
time. For the purpose of truth, let’s review quickly what sufferings are: externally,
it is misfortune, calamity, evil, affliction, that which we all must endure for
we are in the world. In addition the sufferings we as Christians must undergo are of the
same cause which Christ patiently endured, are of an inward state, an
affliction, passion. To ensure sound doctrine
note neither of these sufferings are the result of sin and/or disobedience which
result in not only sufferings but also condemnation.
I am talking about the sufferings
within yourself to receive and obey His Word while submitting yourself to that
which you do not want to adhere. I refer to humbling yourself under His mighty
hand when you can not see the end result and truly don’t have understanding of
the reason for the evil. When you believe His Word above the affliction you are
enduring and trust that regardless of what you see and experience, God is greater, the
inward man dies to self and our flesh suffers. These sufferings although
necessary for maturity and to reveal His glory in us create great angst within
the soul.
Beloved, I believe in prosperity.
For He said, “Beloved, I wish above all things that you
may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers”. (Note, this is not a promise, it is a wish
of goodwill) I believe that prospering in the soul is when we can walk obediently
in the midst of great sorrow and sufferings and know that regardless of the
heartache, God is with us. Prospering in the soul is when regardless of our feelings
and/or emotions we know with certainty that salvation belongs to the Lord. We trust, "I am my beloveds and my beloved is mine."
I must admit that the sufferings we
endure produce a broken and contrite spirit, which the Lord said, He would not turn away. Perhaps without the
sufferings, our pride would not allow such brokenness. He also said, “Blessed
are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
So, what do I say? Lord, take
this affliction away for me? No, I pray, “O Lord, you
are our Father, we are the clay, you are our potter, and we all are the work of
thy hand.” If we believe His
Words and walk in His truth we know that all things will
work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are the called
according to His purpose.
Therefore through these sufferings
with obedience to His Word we will reveal the Glory of our God and shine forth
like the son with the power and strength of God Almighty. For no longer will we
live, but He will live through and in us! Selah!
