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'It is not just' , a friend comment to me about something during the week. And she was absolutely correct. Often, in this life, we experience things or we see people around us experiencing difficulties and it just does not seem fair.
Why?
This week we began our year with our first Beth Moore bible study. We are part of the way through studying with her and the theme is "Breaking Free"
I have written before about how very helpful her perspective is and this week was no different. In fact this weeks lesson was all about life and the struggles, pain, hardships and suffering we might or should I say will have to face, while still this side of eternity.
There were some very helpful ideas that come out of this particular weeks study. Some ideas that really reminded me of how very great a God we serve.
Firstly we were reminded that living in a very narcissistic world we, even us Christians, tend to see irritations as real struggles - when in fact these are just irritations. Because we get so worked up about the small ' hardships' of life we are really not ready nor equipped when the very real and difficult suffering comes.
Secondly, the process that God uses to refine us - like when gold is refined - is indeed quite astounding. Bear with me here. When gold is refines the dross ; the muck ; the impurities are literally drawn out and scooped off so that which remains is pure and real and authentic. In the same way, when God refines us, he brings out into the open that which is in us and that which needs to be scooped off - changed and healed.
So, instead of trying to ignore or to hide or cover up that which we carry. The burden of shame perhaps, the besetting sin ; that idol or weakness. Instead of trying to hide it God wants to expose it so that he can deal with it.
Thirdly , that which the enemy has intended for harm and for destruction, God uses and takes - He takes the shameful things, the broken things and if we let him, he uses them for His glory and for our good - our healing and refining.
There may seem to ne purpose in suffering and yet our great and mighty God never just leaves suffering for sufferings sake. He is at work and in and though the circumstances of our lives, he works to bring good and glory to him.
Now you might say to me , 'you have no idea how much I suffer or how much pain I have endures. It is just too much to bear.'
and you would be right. I do not know the depth of pain or despair and suffering God might be taking you through. But this I know...
He is faithful and will never ever leave you
He will provide his grace so that you can stand up under your burden
His grace is enough and it matches what we have to carry
He will take what the enemy means for harm and he will use it for your good and his glory
If we but rest in him and allow him
In this life we will have struggles. How do I know this? I know this because Jesus said we would. I know this because every day I live I see suffering and pain all over the place. Real pain... real suffering.
What will we do with this knowledge and this reality. Will we shake our fist at God and despise him or will we cling to him who is able and willing to lovingly use us according to his will.
Lastly, we were reminded that when we live in a way that self-protects rather than depends and trusts God, we are standing in the way of God using our lives for the purpose he has designed them . We have a calling and a purpose in this life and we are being refined. Will you let Jesus work for your good and for his glory!
Life is not fair. it is full of hurt and pain and every wicked and evil thing under the sun. Some of the pain we cause while other pain is thrust upon us by others. If this were all life was , what an absolutely horrendous cruelty that would be. But there is a purpose to each precious life on this planet.
Will we let God work?
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