Rejoicing in Suffering

      It had been a difficult week, filled with pain, weakness, and naturally discouragement. I found myself smiling, though, when I saw the notification of a message from my Jamaican sister-friend. As we chatted on Whats-App that morning, dear Jeanne, a constant encourager, reminded me to rejoice in suffering. I confess this is a nearly daily struggle for me, even though I know it is biblical: 

"But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."  1 Peter 4:13 NIV  

      In the midst of our chat, my doctor sent me a text reminding me, "You can do all things through Yeshua who strengthens you!" (Philippians 4:13)

      I had to ponder these two ideas for some time as my day wore on. There came to mind  the familiar refrain, "They are weak but He is strong.... Yes, Jesus loves me!" Then I had to admit that when I am suffering the most, I more quickly seek the promised shelter of His wings, just like a tiny baby bird in its weakness shelters under the loving, gentle wing of its mother, and at times even allows itself to be carried on her back. 

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Psalm 91:4 NIV)

      Though I miss the days of being strong, serving Him, and helping others, when I am desperate to find a reason for this trial, I need to remind myself it has brought me to a place of total dependence on Him. Isn't that exactly where he wants us all? 

"Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 54:8-9 NKJV)

     And so, with Job, let me say, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him;" (Job 13:15a KJV)

 "He must increase and I must decrease."

John 3:30

 ✝️