Suffering Leads to Thanksgiving

1 Peter 5:10)  And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Here are my thoughts on the topic of suffering and how if we allow it can lead to thanksgiving. 

1.  Without suffering we can never appreciate the good things.  In my suffering I have learned to appreciate simplicity.  It has changed my focus and slowed me down.  I have also realized there is a much greater plan than my agenda.  I am grateful for God's simple pleasures.  I take much less for granted now.

2.  We are able to see God at work in our own lives in very personal and intimate ways.  I have also been privileged enough to see how my testimony has affected friends and family.  That is a very humbling experience.  I am very thankful others draw strength and encouragement from my story.  I do not believe this blog would exist if I had not experienced the suffering I have through my mom's death, father's cancer, and my own health struggles.

3. I am thankful for the boldness I now have.  I am no longer shy about my faith.  I desire to be righteous in God's eyes more than to be liked by my fellow man.  My goal is that people know exactly where I stand and whom I stand with.  During a recent Bible study on a day where I was really struggling God gave me something special.  Here is what the Holy Spirit gave me.  How I handle myself during this season of suffering is and will be my testimony.  That is a serious task for me because some days I want to hide under the covers and be a real witch!  :-)

4.  In my suffering I have chosen to draw to God.  Even though I get extremely frustrated with God at times I know He is what I need.  I can reach through my frustration and fear to grab His hand.  The very Person I get the most angry at is the Person I desperately need the most.  I have learned to not stuff my feelings and to be honest with God.  He helps us through ill emotions that are even directed at Him.  I have my moments of anger and frustration.  I did say that and so can you.  I have learned that I cannot use my anger as leverage against my Heavenly Father.  He cannot and will not be manipulated.  I often have conversations like this with God.  Me, "God, I really am thankful for all the amazing things I have learned (many too personal to share with other people at this time).  Through this You have made me a compassionate person, one who truly cares for other's sufferings.  I PROMISE to stay on top of my Bible studies even if I am well.  I will not forget You on the mountain top.  I really think I have learned everything there is to learn here God.  Let's say we all move on!"  God, "Anna, just hang with Me here.  Your story with this is not over...yet."  My point here is that sharing your every thought with someone is drawing near to them.  God and I go back and forth and that is what is supposed to happen.  He waits for us.  He knows how we feel anyway and can help me deal with my ever-so-human emotions.  I have drawn strength from Job.  If you aren't familiar with him I encourage you to read his story in the Bible. 

Here are some things that happened to Job.  Talk about trials and tribulations!  Good grief!
- His oxen and donkeys are killed as were the servants tending them (livestock was a pretty big deal back then).
- His sheep and tending servants were struck by lightening.
- Foreigners killed his camels and tending servants.
- Ten children were eating dinner together when a wind storm came and caused the house to fall on  them.  Everyone died.
- His entire body was covered in hideous boils.
- His wife and supposed three best friends spoke against him.  Here is what Job's wife told him in the midst of his pain and suffering, "Are you still holding on to your integrity?  Curse God and die!"

Job had his week moments.  I believe he wrestled with God at times.  He may have even had angry moments.  Job was just a man.  I can picture the tears streaming down his face as he got word of the death of his children.  Can you see the look on his face as his wife scolded him to curse God and drop dead?

Job fought through his emotions and refused to let Satan attack his mind.  The Bible never said Job understood why these atrocities were happening to him.  He had a firm belief that God never left him and was doing something greater.  I want to have the strength to say like Job, "though He slay me, yet will I wait for and trust Him.'  Read Job for what happens next.  It is incredibly encouraging and pretty exciting. 

So you may ask how the story of Job has helped me to be thankful.  I am thankful that, through my suffering, God has revealed to me just what I am made of.  Job learned what he was made of and so did all those around him.  What a testimony he had!  Before I endured some awful things (some of which I am still in the midst of) I would have never EVER thought I could take so much.  I am made of some serious stuff.  Again, I am grateful this has been revealed to me.

5. Jesus suffered while He as on earth.  The Bible says He was tempted in every way and, therefore, can empathize in our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15).  The saints that surrounded Jesus all suffered.  No one could accuse Paul of having an easy road.  Characters from the Old Testament to the New Testament suffered trials.  Modern day Christians have suffered and are suffering.  Not all of us suffer the same things and we can't judge another person's battles.  I am thankful to share in the journey.  Shared pain bonds people together in tremendous ways.

I admit I don't want to suffer.  I like things nice and easy just like the next person.  God knows I dislike being uncomfortable yet wants me to obey and trust Him.  I repent my rotten attitude and ask that He help me to see past my current struggles.  He will provide you what you need to be thankful in all circumstances.