SUFFERING

What am I to do in the midst of my trials?

In God's Word:
I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest - I would flee far away and stay in the desert; i would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm"
Psalm 55:6-8

David was a man after God's own heart and a great, anointed king. But in many ways, he was just like us. Psalm 55 is an example. When the pressure was on, David just wanted to run away.

All of us have had similar urges. When life gets intense and troubles seem to offer no way out, we just want to get out of the situation. Every Christian who has been prepared by God and stretched to his or her limits can relate: There are times when we would do anything if God would just remove us from our trial. We'll pray for ways of escape, but God often leaves us surrounded until His time is right.

God has no scorn for such feelings. He made us and He knows our frailties. He understands our impulse to flee from whatever difficulties we face. But He also insists on our endurance, because it has spiritual results that nothing else can accomplish. And there is no way to learn endurance other than simply to endure. We can't learn it in principle or in theory; only pain can teach it to us. We must be put in a position of having to lean on our God and to learn of His ways. Experience is the only way to know Him.

Our Takeaway:
The good news for those who go through intense trials and suffering is that once the impulse to flee is broken, God delivers. When endurance is complete, God removes the tribulation we endure. Every fear of verses 4-8 is followed by every blessing of verses 16-18. Our God does not leave us in our troubles. He has put us there to discover His provision; He will not withhold it indefinitely. There will be a day of deliverance. It is God who is enthroned forever (v.19), not suffering. We don't have to flee; we simply call on the One who dwells above our trials.

Big T's Thought To Ponder:
I was originally writing a devotional about "money", this morning and the Holy Spirit put it on my heart for this incredibly special day to write about suffering.

My thought today is short and concise and needs very few words: Our suffering and trials are taken away and healed through the One who didn't flee, didn't complain, but which faced trials and suffering in a way unimaginable to all of us - Our Long Sufferer who forgave us, delivered us, loves us and paid for us by giving Himself for us - "Tetelestai"......