March 23rd, 2017

           Responding to Hurt (Romans 8:28-31)
 
Romans 8:28-31, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
 
There are times in our lives when we face tremendous struggles. Have you ever reached a point where you've stated, "God, I just don't know how I can get through this!" Maybe you're struggling even now with some burden that's too overbearing. You simply can't see a way out. I’ve learned throughout seasons of suffering, what has helped me the most is God’s purpose is greater than my pain.
 
We cannot choose our suffering, but we are free to choose how we will respond to it. We can concentrate on the pain, the heartache, the disappointment, or we can concentrate upon God, the Solution. When we choose to look to the Lord in our sufferings, we will experience His comfort, gain a better understanding of our circumstances, and be able to trust Him to turn the pain into something precious.
 
In times of suffering and tragedy, God is still working out His purpose. However, it is often after we experience our crises that we understand this purpose. We may discover that our circumstances were the very tools God used to change us and help us be more like Christ.
 
Not only do our circumstances build our relationship with God, but they can also strengthen our relationships with people. Once I have gone through hardships and seen others suffer, I am more sensitive toward their suffering and more apt to minister to their needs.
 
Are you experiencing intense suffering? Are you desperate for answers? When life hurts, you have the Lord on your side. The Lord is there, and He is working behind the scenes in your life for your good and His glory. He longs to draw you closer to Him and use your experience in the lives of others.
 
Prayer, Heavenly Father, everything that comes from You is for Your glory and ultimately my good. That includes my suffering. Help me to see suffering as a gift from You to grow me and make me more like Christ. Too often I crave comfort in this world. Too often I crave ease. Too often I crave the path of least resistance. Forgive me for looking to comfort in this world when true and lasting comfort can only be found in You. Help me not to waste my suffering but to use it to glorify You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.