Tuesday, October 28th, 2003 - Praying For Struggle

At both Bible Study and AIM conversations tonight, many people have asked how I am doing. I had small difficulty in responding as I had a tough time placing what's on my heart into words. I was only able to do so in the form of a current prayer to God:
"God, I have a tremendous peace of mind and conscience, and I have had this state of mind for some time. It is hard for me to believe that everything in my life right now is just fine and wonderful, so please show me if there is anything that is hindering me from You; if not, please reassure me that everything is all good and that there are no hidden motives or sins in my heart."

I would more surprised if right now God wants me to just rest in His arms than if He wants to expose a hidden sin in my heart. I can see myself approaching complacence and maintaining a comfort level, and that is definitely not what I want to happen at all. I don't want to be "just okay" with where I'm at right now; I'd rather be hungry and passionate for God, seeking to love Him more completely all the time. I want that, but I wouldn't judge myself as extremely passionate for it. God is surely in favor of extreme passion!

After seeing this, I have come to a desire for struggle right now. I am praying for some trouble or suffering; whatever God has to do to get my attention and help me realize my own weakness and dependence on Him. One of the guys in my Bible Study asked me rhetorically if I'm ready for God to answer that prayer. After some pondering, I am confident that I am. I can see my past struggles and know that the hardship endured is so miniscule to what God has taught me through the suffering, and I am willing to accept calamity if it will bring me closer to God.

I see suffering as one of the most misunderstood blessings, most likely because it usually hurts and not many people are big fans of pain. The Bible explains suffering as a joy, a privelege, a test, and something to be worthy of. I would like to highlight some verses that have been key to my current understanding of suffering.

"...[The council] called in the apostles and had them flogged [(beaten)]. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go. The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus." Acts 5:40-41; in context - Acts 5:24-42.

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us - they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:3-5; in context - Romans 5:1-11.

"Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything." James 1:2-4; "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12; in context - James 1:2-18.

"For you have been given not only the privelege of trusting in Christ but also the privelege of suffering for him" (Italics mine). Philippians 1:29; in context - Philippians 1:27-30.

"And since we are his children, we will share his treasures - for everything God gives to his Son, Christ, is ours, too. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later." Romans 8:17-18; in context - Romans 8 (I say that because you should read the whole chapter! :))

"These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold - and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." 1 Peter 1:7; in context - 1 Peter 1:3-7.

"Since [Jesus] himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted." Hebrews 2:18; in context - Hebrews 2:5-18.

"'Abba, Father,' [Jesus] said, 'everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine." Mark 14:36; in context - Mark 14:32-42.

I'm not trying to say that I like suffering; no one does. Even Jesus, knowing the horrid events ahead of Him, prayed for release from that suffering. The important thing to realize is that sometimes God allows us to suffer for our own benefit and for the good of His will. If Jesus hadn't suffered and paid the price for sin, where would we be today? Even though the cross was the worst way to die, and even though Jesus endured such immense suffering, God made that into the greatest act of love and most significant event for all humankind by redeeming our souls from sin.

Ask any loving mother in the world today if each and every child of hers was worth the pain of childbirth. I remember asking my mom this many years ago when I was much younger; she told me that it was, without a doubt. Asking Jesus about His suffering would most definitely produce a clear answer: "Yes, my child, it was so worth it." I pray that we will put our own struggles and suffering into perspective and avoid getting beaten by the "Whine Stick;" they are nothing compared to what Christ went through, and they are so miniscule compared to the good that they do us in shaping us to be more like Christ.

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