Warning: this is not the typical missionary blog about suffering.
I am not about to go on a rant about how we should not suffer, for the suffering around the world is far greater. This is not because I have not witnessed tough and hard suffering around the world, because I have. But this is not what I feel like I am supposed to write to you about today.
Even though I am living in one of the poorest countries in the world today, I am still allowed to go through suffering of my own. That is ok. It is ok to suffer and not feel guilty about it. It is ok to feel pain and not have to diminish it by telling yourself that other’s pain is far greater.
Heartache, slander, deaths, sickness, the list goes on. These are all things that are OK to mourn over and say that you are suffering through. We are human and if we do not call the kettle black, then how do we expect to truly live life if we don’t allow ourselves to have a real perspective?
Recently, I have been going through my own suffering. There was a point where I felt tired, exhausted, spent, as if I couldn’t go any longer. The enemy was definitely taking the opportunity to kick me while I was down (from many angles). But you know what? I’m ok. Actually, I am more than ok. I am wonderful, because my God is a GREAT God. When he sees us sinking in stormy waters and we desperately cry out “’Lord save me!’ He reaches out His hand, catches us and says, ‘You of little faith, why do you doubt?’” Matthew 14:22-33
Going through trials are never enjoyable, but time and time again I am reminded that they are periods of refinement. Why does God allow us to suffer? Why are you going through the suffering that you have right now? Is it to be a testament to those of little faith? Is it to wake you up? Is it to teach you a lesson? Is it to redirect your steps elsewhere? The reasoning behind your suffering is something for you and you alone to figure out and I greatly encourage you to seek God through your suffering. Don’t let your suffering go in vain.
Not one of us is undeserving of suffering. If we believe that we are above affliction, then do we believe that we are better than Christ himself? He suffered immensely solely for the sake of us. But guess what…the greatest gift that has EVER been given on this earth was given through Christ’s suffering. So do you think God would allow your suffering to go unnoticed? Maybe that is what we as humans deserve, but God reminds us in 1 John 3:1 that we are more importantly his children whom He loves dearly. If you are pure in heart and desperately seeking the Lord, I can guarantee He is at work even amidst your suffering.
“Your suffering is not meaningless. It. Is. DOING Something! Do NOT lose heart. Day by day focus on the biblical truths, not what is seen. Sing with confidence that you are new and cared for.”-John Piper ‘Do Not Lose Heart’.
At the end of the day, through all that you may be going through, all you need to say is:
“LORD! You’re enough for me!”
“You are enough for me.”
