Last night as the 6 o’clock hour approached so did the oppression in my heart. A week before that hour I was supposed to be packing my six children into the van to meet my husband and friends for dinner. That dinner never happened. Instead I rode in an ambulance, escorting my son to his death.
I hurt.
The past seven days have been a whirlwind of tears and comfort, grieving and worship, mourning and peaceful surrender.
I miss my baby.
Together, my husband and I have felt the arms of God lifting us up when we didn’t have the strength to stand. We have felt the breath of the Spirit breathing new life into our broken hearts. We have felt the prayers of the saints streaming, flowing and covering us with a blanket of peace. With Jesus’ name on our lips, we have born our affliction.
I want to suffer well.
So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Pet. 4:19
In my suffering, I feel I must encourage you to suffer well also. I don’t know what your trial will look like. But I want you to suffer well. I want you to suffer to the glory of the King of Kings.
My friends, don’t be surprised at the painful things that you are now suffering, which are testing your faith. Don’t think that something strange is happening to you. But you should be happy that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings. You will be happy and full of joy when Christ shows his glory… consider it a blessing. When that happens, it shows that God’s Spirit, the Spirit of glory, is with you. 1 Pet. 4:12-14
Why? Why do we need to suffer well? Because in our suffering our faith is tested. In our suffering we share in Christ’s affliction. In our suffering we are blessed. In our suffering God’s Spirit of glory is declared through shouts that otherwise would never be heard.
Today, my friend, resolve to suffer well.
