Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) ~ but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Hope….to look to God for all that we need…that is what hope means in this verse. If we put our hope in God, He in turn gives us the strength to endure and persevere. Not “man” strength..GOD strength!
Thank goodness His strength and power is nothing like the kind of strength I have on my own.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV) ~ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
When we suffer..it should remind us of how Christ suffered for us. Our troubles keep us humble, which is the opposite of being prideful. Here’s the most important thing though, the way we react to our “troubles” or suffering. God is given the opportunity to show his power to others through our suffering. Our faith or lack of faith is proved to others in our times of trouble.
Our suffering can be a HUGE witness for Christ!
Let’s be honest here, I don’t really ever recall jumping up and down for joy because of suffering. No…can’t say that I have. Feelings hurt..”Man that feels great!”…ummm, I don’t think so.
This I do know, as I am growing more mature in my faith in Christ…stronger and steadier in my Spiritual walk, I am discovering the strength that only is gained through a real personal relationship with Christ Jesus. I am learning to rely on His strength..not mine. Truth be known, I have no strength apart from God. He is my strength!
The closer I get to God, the more I want to bring Him glory. The only way to bring Him glory is to fully trust Him. I am learning to ask Him..”Lord, what do you want me to do for YOU today?” Knowing that when I ask Him this and choose to obey..that it could mean “suffering” in order to point to my faith in Christ Jesus. Sometimes, our suffering is the only way that others may ever choose to follow Christ..because of the evidence of our faith that is proven through our troubles.
William Barclay said: “Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but turn it into glory.”
What better way to close..but to say this, My suffering..your suffering..it is never in vain when we are able to use it to bring God glory. Let’s change our perspective on troubles and trials. Let’s ask God, “What do you want me to learn from this? How can I glorify You through this Lord?”
Life here in this fallen world can be tough..Life here on this earth is unbearable if you don’t know Jesus. Do you know Him? Don’t wait…quit trying to do it all on your own.
Blessings My Friends!
UNTIL NEXT TIME!
Hope For The Broken 