Suffering & Joy

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 4:13

Suffering is a part of life. While we are experiencing suffering we often times don't see the good that is to come, but God promises that it will. Our Heavenly Father, our Creator, is a loving and caring father and although he allows the suffering, it saddens Him to see us endure pain. You can imagine that when is son hung on the cross of Calvary, he wept, his heart ached to see Jesus tortured and beaten and them hung to die, but it was necessary. Without it, you and I would never know true peace. Jesus death on that cross made THE way, the ONLY way, for sinners to become righteous in the eyes of God, to know salvation.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
1 Peter 2:21

When Christ suffered He made an example for us to follow. He didn't complain, or murmur or throw a fit. He didn't seek revenge or debate or attack his accusers. He endured suffering with meekness and humility, because he knew there was a plan for it all. God allowed these things to happen for a reason and God's ways are perfect!

But 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.
1 Peter 5:10

How wonderful to know that when the suffering has passed, we are better for it! Suffering makes us stronger, wiser, more compassionate, and it should bring us JOY! We should be joyful even through the suffering, because we know that God has a plan, for our good and His glory!

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4:15

Praise the Lord for His holiness and omnipotence!
He alone deserves glory, honor and praise, EVEN during our suffering!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for your unfailing care. What a joy it is to know that you are ALWAYS in control of the situation, even when and especially when I am not. You have your hand in it all and you will bring to pass what must be for my good and for your glory. Father, may I be joyful during suffering, looking forward to the completion of your most perfect plan. May I endure suffering as Jesus did, with a humble and meek spirit, that I might be an example, like He was, to others. In Jesus most holy name, AMEN.