Read: 1 Peter 1:3-9
When we focus on God, we are in a better position to grow in maturity and godliness.
When our suffering persists, the Lord may also have other purposes in mind:
To increase our trust. You might think the happiest people are the wealthy or famous. But the truly contented are those who are at peace with God because their faith has been tested—and they know He has only their good in mind.
To strengthen our dependence upon Him. The apostle Paul testified about how his persistent thorn taught him reliance upon the Lord’s grace and strength (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Instead of believing that we can handle things on our own, we likewise learn to depend more fully on God when our circumstances leave us powerless.
To manifest Christ’s life in us. God wants us to be a living example of the conduct and character of Jesus Christ. For this reason, He uses suffering to sift, sand, and prune whatever doesn’t belong in our life. But in those hard seasons of change, He also sustains us, providing all that we need in order to persevere.
To purify our hearts. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that the pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God (Matthew. 5:8). The purification of our heart is an ongoing process. Sometimes it takes difficult situations to identify the things that keep us from delighting in our relationship with God.
Do you trust that God loves you and wants the best for you? Decide to be more open to the work He wants to do in your life through the hard times.
By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• Keeping Yourself in God’s Love – even during painful times in your life
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