September 01, 2021
Greetings and blessings to all of you. Unless you have your head buried in the sand or you have become indifferent/numb to the constant attacks on God’s Word (the truth), our faith, our religious freedom and the Constitution; the Body of Christ here and abroad is going through trial from the unbelievers. But as God has said, “Fear not for I am with you do not be dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) and God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1) God stated Fear Not 365 times. Since we will all go through trials such as, financial hardships, health issues, relational problems, we must understand that Almighty God does not waste our pain be it emotional or physical. Here are four ways God will use our suffering to shape and mold us into His image ..Glorifying Him.
1) Sometimes our pain is for the eternal benefit of others. God uses it to reveal the genuineness of our faith so that others might see it and be drawn to Christ. In (I Pet. 1:7) it says, “though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trial. These have come so that the …..of greater worth than gold which perishes even though refined by fire may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus is revealed.
2) God uses trials to teach us to obey. In (Heb. 5:7-8) during the days of Jesus life on earth he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was he learned obedience from what he offered and once made perfect he become the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him…
3) When difficulties cause us to want to be disobedient God will use that “stress” to prevent us from causing ourselves and others’ problems. Paul could have become prideful if God would have ended ‘his thorn in the flesh’. “Therefore, in order to keep him from becoming conceited I was given… a messenger of Satan to torment me. (2 Cor. 12:7-10)
4) Pain is used for the believer to ‘refine’ us. And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Pastor ALC
First Lady Vivian
Pillar of Truth