Inspired by . . . hope
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame,
because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
This verse has comforted many Believers through many trials.
Does it comfort you?
If you are in the midst of a great suffering these words may not be enough to bring you comfort. You may not yet have come to a place where knowing that God has an intended purpose for your struggles is a comfort. I understand, I've been there.
Even knowing that these assurance were written by Paul, a man who endured great physical suffering may not be enough. The desire to be humbled and made more like Christ is drown out by the physical or emotional pain of what you're experiencing.
Perhaps you feel that you have passed beyond that hope. You have come to a place of dry, cracked, barren land where you feel utterly alone and bereft.
Take comfort in this:
Our heavenly Father is never absent from our pain. It is by His design that His Son willingly suffered so that He can sympathize with our weaknesses.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16
At some point in your suffering a tide will turn. If you have grown numb, you will begin to feel again. If you have grown angry, you will begin to calm. If things have grown dark, you will begin to see.
And you will realize that:
His love kept your heart from growing cold.
His arms kept you from loosing control.
He is the Light that pierces the deepest darkness.
The hope remains . . .
. . . it waits, as an anchor to our soul,
until we are, once again, able to embrace it.
Embrace the Hope.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Amen. With confidence we can pray to God knowing that Jesus suffered greatly. He truly gets it. Truly. And now He intercedes on our behalf.
ReplyDeleteLove this truth, resting in it today ...
Love this, June. Such beautiful encouragement. Thank you so much for sharing. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteI'm still amazed at how the most difficult times in life in hindsight are the best things that could have happened to us...
ReplyDeleteWithout the suffering my faith would not have much weight. Good insightful post.
ReplyDeleteYour words illuminate my morning, darling, as usaul you can find the way to make of every day a good day !
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed weekend my dear June <3
Love
Dany
Oh, June! Happy Birthday! This post spoke to me on such a deep level! I was nodding and tearing up and saying, Yes, Yes! Thank you for this post. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that He sits on a throne of grace and that I can come before Him at any time. Thanks for sharing this encouraging word with Thought-Provoking Thursday! :)
ReplyDeleteThis reflection is so timely for me right now. Thank you, June.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Deidra's place today . . .
Love the flowers, love the Words. Thank you for sharing so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteJune. It is a gift to reveal the heart of our Savior. It is a greater gift to do it in Word. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI have learned so much through my seasons of suffering. As I look back, I can truly say that I am thankful for those seasons. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteJune, Such a beautiful blog. Suffering, whether mental, physical, or emotional brings so much clarity and closeness with our Savior if we will only take our eyes off ourselves and put it on Him. I believe this is what it is meant to do. If we allow it, it can build such great strength, character, and faith in us and sustain us over a lifetime as we draw on lessons learned. As Barbie said, she is thankful for those seasons of suffering. I have also gone through those years, though painful, I would not trade them for anything. My eyes are opened; God is forever front and center and we are at peace in Him. Blessings to you in your blog and books.
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