Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Painful Trials

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial
you are suffering...But rejoice that you participate
in the sufferings of Christ. (1 Peter 4: 12-13)

Many hours of waiting were necessary to enrich David's
harp with song. And hours of waiting in the wilderness
will provide us with psalms of "thanksgiving and the
sound of singing." Is 51:3 The hearts of the discouraged
here below will be lifted, and joy will be brought to our
Father's heavenly home.

Waiting on God and abiding in His will is to know Him
in "the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings"-- Phil 3:10--
and "to be conformed to the likeness of  his Son"--
Rom 8:29. Therefore if God's desire is to enlarge your
capacity for spiritual understanding, do not be frightened
by the greater realm of suffering that awaits you. The
Lord's capacity for sympathy is greater still, for the
breath of the Holy spirit into His new creation never makes
a heart hard and insensitive, but affectionate, tender, and
true. (Anna Shipton)

Dear Reader, I am so aware of the intense suffering of
some who read this blog. Here is one more verse to add
to the many you have collected over the years.

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me 
strength, that, he considered me faithful, appointing 
me to his service. " (1 Tim 1:12)



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