The Suffering of Those Who Love Jesus

Posted by Coral on July 15, 2009

 I have been studying the suffering of believers in Scriptures lately. Here are some of my thoughts:

 Phil.1:29 says “For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake…” The word “granted” there means “to grant as a favor or to show kindness” it is the verb form of the noun for grace. Grace? Kindness? Hmm, how do I look at the little ( and I do mean little) trials that come and go in my life? Do I view them as a gift, a blessing, God’s grace and kindness toward me?  Mind you I am not talking about things I bring on myself through my sinfulness, rather the things granted to me by God. There are others around the world who are in the thick of it EVERYDAY, and God is showing His favor on them. It amazes me how God’s way are definitely not our ways.

“And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” Zechariah 13:9  “You have tried us O God; You have refined us as silver is refined.” Psalms 66:10. Do I want to be refined?

I know that there is a reward in heaven far greater than any suffering I may face. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”   Romans 8:18. Do I want the process, or just the end result?

Some suffering is allowed by God, some is given by Him. Why does God test us? I have heard the argument, “Can’t God just see my heart and know what I would do?” I ask, “How did your heart get to the point where you “might” be willing to suffer for Christ?” If we all remained as children, being protected from the harsh realities of life; would we be who we are right now, with the hearts we have right now? No, hard things breed character. Even the small things in life produce growth. My daughter just came to me crying because she was hurrying around and tripped over her play cash register, scraping her leg. This incident, along with many others like it, will eventually produce a more cautious  little girl who watches where she is going .  Everything is a process. Yes, I don’t want to remain in the timid state of childhood. And unless I have gone through suffering how do I know that my heart would respond purely? I know that my heart is very often not pure, in its response.  Even the before stated question shows a heart that needs refining, because of its desire is for self preservation (selfishness). My Father’s focus (as any good parent’s should be), is not that life is easy, and “happy”; but rather that I become a person of character who blesses those around me, living to my purpose, this produces a joy filled life!

Yes, I want to be refined. I want the process. Wow, that is hard for me to say . As the blacksmith keeps the silver in the fire; removing the impurities till he can see his reflection in it. Lord may those around me see your reflection in me! If  I choose to complain and whine about the little insignificant thing that come my way; I am not excepting your gracious gift to me. I know it may hurt, but if  I choose to view it as a blessing, a gift, your kindness, and ultimately LOVE; what JOY there is to be had! What rest. Thank you Lord for the grace you promise in the midst of the flames. Not only in the midst, but that the actually the flames themselves are your grace toward me.  Help me to view these things the way you do, and do what you must in my life.

Love Your Daughter, 

Coral