It is always hard to think of suffering as having a purpose. Yet we know everything which happens in our lives is for a purpose. Therefore, if suffering is a part of life’s journey, then it also must have a purpose in our lives.
Henry Cloud and John Townsend put it this way …. “He (being Jesus) chose the path of the Cross because of the fruit it would bear for all of us. Yet he refused to enter suffering that would be inappropriate for his purposes.” God does not bring us difficulties, or suffering, just for the sake of suffering. It always has a purpose.
God, thank you that I can trust you even in the middle of suffering. Jesus knows what it’s like to experience pain on the path to a God-sized dream, and that’s so comforting to me. I ask that you will give me the strength, courage, and hope I need to move forward no matter what happens in my life. Amen.
(a prayer from “Opening the Door to Your God-Sized Dream” by Holley Gerth, page 110)
“Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:2, NLT)
Give me grace to endure.
Today I am joining … Give Me Grace and Still Saturday and Spiritual Sundays and Sunday Stillness and Scripture & a Snapshot .
Thanks for your encouraging post! No trials or sufferings will come our way apart from God’s purpose, presence, and permission.
~Urailak @Living for God http://bornagainandblessed.blogspot.com/
Truth right there!!! It needs His purpose, His Presence, His permission.
Hi Joanne, I started reading this book by Holley Gerth. I pray it jolts something in me!
This little devotional has been sitting on my desk for months. I just keep opening it & reading a portion as I need. It keeps giving me the jolt I need 🙂
Beautiful and encouraging, Joanne. He has surely been my strength, courage, and hope these past months. Blessings and much love.
He has surely been providing you with all you need to get through. And the good news is – He will continue to do so, Beth! Much love to you!
Yes, running and racing to serve the Lord, take care of His people. That’s all we can do. Serving Him, both here and in heaven, is all we can focus on. Thanks for sharing.
May we keep on running all of our days!
No matter what happens. That’s what I call going with God and it’s the place we end to reach to serve well.
No matter what, Lisha! May we be faithful to keep going with God & keep serving. All. Our. Days.
Thank you, Joanne. I needed to be reminded of this today!
Me too, Janis. Me too!
Amen Joanne! Going through the rivers of difficulty can either cause us to drown or force us to grow stronger, and if we don’t look beyond suffering and see the light of its eternal values, it will breed resentment and bitterness rather than joy. Sufferingdoes have a purpose that supplements divine growth, and God uses it to develop and shape us into better Christians. ♥
Have a lovely week dear friend!
Denise
I so appreciate your comment, Denise. May I not brood over difficulties so that my life will breed good things in & through Him. Only a difference of 2 letters but what a difference!