Lord, I Will Praise You In This Pain

This morning’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study. You can view this current study in its entirety by visiting Bible Study link below.
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Lord, I Will Praise You In This Pain (I Peter 1:6-7)

I Peter 1:6-7, Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

The Bible gives reasons for rejoicing in the midst of our afflictions that we can consider suffering to be beneficial. Clearly, Peter could hardly contain his joy as he wrote to his scattered flock. We can easily identify with such high spirits if, like Peter, we review all the blessings we have in Christ. Joy is normal to the Christian. But in this same passage Peter reminds his readers that they "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations" (I Peter 1:6).

1. PAIN (ROMANS 5:3-4)
​The reason the Bible instructs us to rejoice in our sufferings is because of what sufferings can produce. In Romans 5, Paul explains that we rejoice in our sufferings, “but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). Suffering produces endurance and a Christlike character. Suffering teaches us patience and endurance, especially as we press closer to Christ through the reading of His Word. Through afflictions we learn more deeply "the fellowship of his sufferings," as Paul put it (Philippians 3:10).

2. PERPLEXITIES (II CORINTHIANS 4:8)
The pressures of life have a way of developing endurance in us, and this endurance can be exercised only when we are placed under pressure. The very trials we dread are thus used by God to strengthen us. II Corinthians 4:8, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.” Troubles exposed Paul’s weakness, but at the same time, God showed His strength through Paul.

3. PERSECUTIONS (I PETER 4:12-14)
Peter also saw that our afflictions are opportunities to participate in Christ's sufferings (I Peter 4:12-14). “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”

Questions to Consider:
Are you in the midst of trials and perplexities?
Do others notice your joy in spite of your suffering?

Points to Ponder:
God often performs His greatest work through our suffering.
How we respond to our sufferings speaks volumes of our faith to God in the trials.

PRAYER: LORD, thank You for helping me to see that there is a purpose for pain I endure. I understand that You are using hard times to refine my conduct and my character. I accept this trial as from You and for my good rather than resisting it. I can trust You because You love me. In Jesus name Amen!

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