Response to Suffering

Ellen Martell responds to Vicki’s wonderful devotion with her beautiful thoughts. I love how God uses others to encourage us. As I say all the time. “ We’re just beggars sharing bread.”

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

James 1:2-4 NLT

This one is so meaningful. Sooo meaningful. People…I mean a lot of people cannot comprehend how a loving God can allow so much pain, suffering and loss. The suggestion that He causes it in the first place is wrong, as all of these are part of being human. Vicki points us to the assurance (proven) that He is not only there for us when we suffer, but that He can use that suffering and loss for good for those who love Him. It may be that how we respond to suffering and loss may encourage another who is struggling. It may be as she suggests, that we slow down and reprioritize ourselves and give Jesus our best time. Maybe He wants our attention and fellowship as much as we want smooth calm waters 

I find that much of my suffering and loss, although often is due to my own failures, but maybe it is just as often simply being human. I love that we can reach up and grab that extended hand no matter what the reason 

“I asked the Lord three times to take this pain away from me. But he said to me, ‘I will be kind to you and I will help you. That will be enough for you. When you are weak, I will show that I am completely powerful to help you.’ So I am happy to be proud about my weakness. Then I know that Christ's power will be with me. That is why I am happy even when I am weak. People may insult me. They may bring me trouble. They may want to hurt me. I may have many kinds of trouble. But I am still happy because I am serving Christ. Yes, whenever I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Cor. 12:8-10 EASY

Make it a Triumphant Tuesday! God is good….