Strength in Suffering

 

     Minnesota weather makes us strong and hardy or it is weak and foolish? Reading these words of Scripture today makes me smile and realize just how much we need God’s strength.

But God has chosen the foolish things of this world to put to shame the wise and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. 1 Corinthians 1:27

     When change surrounds us in the weather or in life, when we feel weak and foolish, God is there. Skies may darken. Lightning and thunder may strike and roll. After the storm, there is hope. The rainbow lights the sky. Something awakens within us. Suffering brings doubt and sadness, but it also brings strength and compassion. Somehow our loving Father uses the storms to bring hope to others. Our pain draws us deeper; deeper into the big questions in life; deeper in our faith; deeper in our trust.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.  Romans 5:3-5

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  Isaiah 43:2

     Jesus will walk us through this life. Count on Him. Keep hope alive. There will be flood waters rushing by us, and flames burning around us, but heaven calls, the hope of glory. Hang on to hope. We persevere. We find times of refreshment. We hold on for dear life. We hang on to each other. And we hang on to Jesus. He will never let us go.

…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Colossians 1:27b

Jesus,

You know and understand what we go through. Give those suffering right now Your comfort and peace. Help us to persevere and develop character and bring hope. You are the hope of glory, now and forever. And we rely on Your strength

Amen