Scripture
1 Peter 5:10 KJVBut the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
God's Mind Today
What the average Christian does not want to hear is that they will go through suffering as a follower of Jesus Christ.
As a matter of fact, no one loves to suffer. The flesh doesn't like stress of any sort. But God never told us that following Him will spare us suffering. He actually said that we will have to carry our cross—by coming after Him (Matthew 16:24).
The path that leads to life is narrow; it is difficult (Matthew 7:14). It is not like the easy way which leads to damnation.
Our Lord Jesus told us that the servant is not greater than the Master. If He suffered, we will also experience suffering (John 15:20).
Following God isn't an escape route from suffering. Tribulations are part and parcel of the walk.
Serving God isn't a path to instant riches. It takes time and patience to receive from God. It is therefore not advisable to come to God with the intent of getting rich quick. God does nothing in haste.
God is good. And His will for us is good. He never promised us smooth sailing, but He promised to be with us in the midst of the storm. He promised to take care of us—if we could trust Him.
Isaiah 43:1-2 NIVBut now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. [2] 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.
The one who decides to follow Christ wholly will still go through challenges, hardships and even financial stress.
There are connections and opportunities that will come looking for you. But because they come coated with sin and will cause you to offend God, you will have to avoid them. This is one of the challenges every genuine Christian must go through. And they are also part and parcel of our tests.
Does God allow us to suffer? The answer is Yes. But we can trust that He knows what He is doing. Even the Son was made perfect through suffering:
Hebrews 2:10 KJVFor it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
We must understand that, whatever God allows us to go through is necessary for our equipping and perfection. If God decides to not take away a particular situation in our life, that does not mean He will never take it away.
There are lessons which the Lord expects us to learn through everything we go through. And remember that He works out all things for our good (Romans 8:28).
Key Point
If God allows us to serve Him while we lack basic needs, we are not give up on Him just yet. Do not lose hope because it is only a test. God works with times and seasons (Ecclesiastes 3:1). When our season of testing is over, He will establish, strengthen and settle us—He always does. This is His promise to us in His Word. And he does not fail to fulfil it.
Prayer
Thank you Father for I know that You love me and You want the best for me. Today, I have learned to trust You more despite all that I am going through. I understand that You are in control and You are with me through it all. I choose to believe Your reports alone concerning My life. I believe that in due time You will establish, strengthen and settle me—according to Your Word. All through the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
The articles and dream interpretations on our blog are gotten through revelation. We don't go about stealing other people's content. If we did, this website wouldn't have survived till today. DESIST from copying or lifting any part of our content to your website, books or videos. God is against plagiarism (Jer. 23:30). All content are protected by DMCA with fast response rate. Don't say you were not warned !!