“font-family: Verdana;”>Many believers think that suffering is an integral part of God’s plan to prepare us for the struggle of spreading the ‘good news’ according to one Jesus Christ. I would simply like to bring a certain perspective to that discussion. I believe suffering in this context is akin to being a prerequisite for building spiritual muscle. Hence, suffering is like exercise, training, if you will. As we all know, it’s pretty difficult to respect the opinion of someone who has led the so called charmed life, or one who was born with a silver spoon in a cavity free mouth. It’s hard, if not impossible, to listen to someone talk with authority about something he or she has never seen, or experienced, or of a place they never been to but heard about or saw in a documentary on PBS.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>It’s clear to me that God disciplines and teaches in a manner and by a standard most of us will never understand. I believe as fact that when He chooses you, when it’s your time, He has a way of communicating who’s really in charge and no, it’s not you. When God is talking to you, I pray you know it, rather than labeling it ‘suffering.’ Everybody take out a pen and a piece of paper. Write this down. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11. Like it or not, we are all in training to fight in God’s war. Whether being forged in a fiery furnace or stuck in a tailspin of despair and hopelessness, each and every one of us is being battle tested in anticipation of an inevitable call to arms.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Struggling and suffering, if you’re open for what God is trying to teach us, should bring about wisdom. If you know me, then you know I believe spiritual wisdom is to be shared. It must be. Otherwise, God keeps you in a perpetual classroom where life keeps punishing your failure pass His test. You ain’t learned nuthin. When you begin to understand that maybe somebody is trying to teach you something, then wondrous things begin to happen. Like a child you discover learning is cool. You listen more intently in anticipation of learning something new. The possibilities seem endless. The mind says ‘tell me more.’ In this case the spirit says ‘thank you Jesus.’ It is my belief that at this moment, God lets us know in His way that we’re capable of winning the particular battle we are in. At that moment, we move from being in the classroom of the Lord, to a battle where Satan is keeping score. You remember those test taking school days when you actually studied and were definitely prepared? Confidence oozed from you.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>When you realize God is the lesson planner, the instructor and the study partner, graduation is but an afterthought, regardless of Satan’s attempt to make it a Netflix night. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12. All we have to do is recognize and represent. Recognize the hell we’re going through is not without purpose, God’s. Represent the will of God through our trials honoring Him as we confirm His status as Lord. Don’t let life. Let God. Suffering, maybe. Conquering, definitely.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>May God bless and keep you always.
