In seasons of trial and suffering, we often wonder if God has abandoned us. We long to hear His voice, but our cries seemingly fall short of heaven. We seek the comfort of His presence, but the cold, bitter winds of doubt and loneliness chill us to the core of our heart. In these times, it is difficult to sense the abiding comfort of the Comforter.
During these unpleasant times, it is important to confirm in our spirit that God is aware of our need. Remember that He endured the absence of His Son from heaven while Jesus willingly took on human flesh to accomplish our redemption. Jesus, fully man and fully God, humbled Himself, trusted the Father, and "cast all [His] anxiety on [God]."
The verse 1st Peter 5:7 affirms the great promise that "... he cares for you." God has called us, saved us, sanctified us, and leads us daily. God accepts our worship and praise, our love and service. We sing these affirmations in church and at retreats and conferences. These are the truths we love to lift upward in worship.
Equally important is what the verse does not promise - "... because he cares for you and he will remove the situation about which you are anxious." The fact is that God will (and does) use our suffering in the way which best brings Him glory. While we may cast our anxiety upon Him, He may see fit to allow us to stand alone in the tempest Why? To allow our faith to be proven and strengthened ("And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast" - v. 10). While we also sing about these aspects of faith, it may be that we do so with less enthusiasm and conviction ... and celebration.
When the storms of trial and suffering beat down on us, when God seems distant and our suffering seems unbearable, entrusting our cares and burdens to Him unlocks His abundant grace and draws us nearer to His heart. He is faithful, and He will do exactly what is needed to make us more like Christ
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2 comments:
Great words of encouragement.
Keep writing. You'll draw readers to your blog faster if you visit others of similar interest.
God bless you bud...you are a Godly example for all young people.
Josh, great job. I really enjoyed it. I am proud of you Josh.
Bud
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