“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

It is not in our human nature to want to suffer. In fact, our society encourages us to avoid hardship at all costs. But what if suffering was part of God’s plan for our restoration?

Paul of all people knew what adversity was. From an illness that was always upon him, to beatings, stoning’s, prison, and even shipwrecks, Paul experienced it all. Yet he knew in his heart that his sufferings were to be rejoiced over.

All of us have experienced various forms of afflictions and suffering: the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, income or home, divorce, sickness. I personally can attest to everything I just listed; however, I wouldn’t change anything about my life. Every form of affliction I have endured — and will endure — has brought me closer to God. These painful experiences have transformed me into who I am today.

Our restoration and hope in is Christ Jesus. Our suffering will restore our hearts, teaching us endurance, which will develop our character to be a reflection of His. This is our restoration in Him: to be one with Him as Christ was One with the Father.

Hear our cries today, Lord. You know our struggles. Help us to face our afflictions with a joyful heart, knowing that in them we will only grow closer to You. May we trust You with everything in our lives, so that You may restore our hearts to be one with You. Amen.

Thought: Do you feel overwhelmed by life right now? Ask God to change your mind and attitude about whatever afflictions you face this week.

Read Romans 5:3-5 again, and meditate on its promise of restoration and hope.

By Daniel Forster
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Suffering and Sovereignty

Growth through Suffering

Suffering – What is Suffering?

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The post Rejoice In Suffering appeared first on Thoughts About God.

The Lord says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you.” Joel 2:25 (NLT)

The Lord is in the process of building you right now. Although it seems as if you have been stripped on every side, keep your head up. Restoration is on the way.

He is positioning you for what He has prepared for you. Even as Joseph had to be positioned in the land of Egypt through a series of hardships, He is placing you in the place of your birthing. What He has placed on the inside of you will live and not die.

God will perform that which He has promised you. His plans for you cannot be frustrated by the hands of man. Man can only help facilitate God’s plan for you. Do not be afraid my brother, my sister. The vision will speak soon. Be of good courage, restoration belongs to you.

Father, thank you for the great things you have in store for us as your children. The Bible declares that eyes have not seen, nor ears heard the great things you have in store for us. May we focus not on what we see in the natural but on what You have spoken to us directly through your promises, the scriptures. Thank You for being our God and loving us the way that You do. Thank You for performing with Your  hands what you have promised even with Your words. In Jesus name Amen.

By Mary Pinckney

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The post Restoration is on the Way appeared first on Thoughts About God.