Matthew 5:11-12 says, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." It says when the persecute you not if they persecute you. We were called to suffer. Something about suffering helps us to draw nearer to God. Suffering makes us realize we need Him. James 1:2-4 tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Again it says when the trials come not if.
A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.-A Chinese Proverb
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5) In all of these passages God shows us the end result of our sufferings: “great is your reward in heaven”, “that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing”, “tribulation produces…hope”.
Although it may seem like these times when we suffer last forever, remember what the Lord says "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
Everyone will have suffering in their life. Suffering brings growth. It truly is a blessing in disguise. But how often does one find themselves praying for hard times. I believe that when you pray and ask God for trials (and His strength to get through them), we are asking for a very good thing. After all, long suffering is a fruit of the Spirit . Galatians 5:22 lists it as number four on a list of 10! Long suffering is a part of God’s character, a part of His image and a part of His nature. The Bible tells us He has “great kindness” and that “His mercy endures forever”.
We need to strive to be like Him, we need to add to our character patience. Long suffering is joy that endures in all circumstances. In 1 Timothy 1:16, Paul says, “However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all long suffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.” We need Jesus to live through us so that He may “show all longsuffering” through us.
Long suffering is always associated with hope and mercy. Psalms 62:1 Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation.
“If you have great challenges, have greater faith”. Leinani Kamaka
1 Thessalonians 1:3 “remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father” What will you be remembered for?
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