Thursday, February 18, 2010

Devotional -Snapshot 15 - Suffering

"...let us rid our minds of the idea that things are as they are because God cannot help it. God 'works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will' (Ephesians 1:11), and all things are as they are because God has chosen that they should be, and the reason for His choice in every case is His glory." Great Grace J.I. Packer

Suffering is God's will and it is His will that I continue to do good while suffering. "For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. ...But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God." 1Peter 2:15,20

God will make His grace abound so that I can do whatever His will is. All suffering has an end. All suffering glorifies God - whether I suffer for doing good or evil. God can use it for His glory.

Who of us does not suffer sometimes as a result of our own evil behavior, but even here God receives glory. "You intended to harm me but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done..." Genesis 50:20

God is gracious. His grace is sufficient to meet any need. He has called me for glory and it will be forever. So expect suffering. It brings joy! It has a glorious end! It is part of God's plan and glory! It shames the wicked and encourages the righteous! It brings restoration and comfort from God!

"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." 1 Peter 5:10

Can you look back and see God's hand in even your suffering?

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