Today’s scripture illustrates that God’s grace and how his power is sufficient in the trials we face. Paul pleaded with the Heavenly Father to take away the “thorn in his flesh” but it was not taken away (2 Corinthians 12:6-8).
Have you experienced a difficulty like this? When God says, “No,” do you still place your confidence in him and believe his promises? Do you become angry and depressed when the unwanted circumstance is not immediately removed?
Nothing is more universal in life than suffering. Suffering may lead us on a journey of failure, loss, conflict, heartache, or creating deep wounds. But, if we trust like Paul did, suffering can become a sacred place designed to demonstrate our faith, trust, and confidence in God during unwanted circumstances. In our suffering, God creates a place where the pain becomes an exchange for trust and complete dependence upon him.
Renowned theologian Charles Spurgeon said, “Men will never become great in divinity until they become great in suffering.” In our weakness, God’s power is perfected. The pain can produce fruit that otherwise would not have been born.
Hardships provide an opportunity to become completely dependent upon God. God, by his grace, empowers us to do things we can never do on our own. The reason God entrusts us with suffering may be to show that he will give us the strength to endure it and draw us closer to him in the process.
Dear Lord Jesus, I need your all-sufficient grace today. Thank you Lord, that you are a mighty warrior on my behalf, and I thank you that during suffering you will reveal yourself to me, and transform me to become more like you. Amen.
Go Deeper — Do you know someone who is suffering right now? Do they wonder why God is allowing it to happen? What will you say to them?
Read Further — This is an excellent article that explains Why There is Suffering in the World?.
Photo Credit: Yeo Kees