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Suffer Well

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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.

Jan 12, 2013Serena
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Comments: 8
  1. Bonnie Lockhart
    10 years ago

    Serena, Dan, our church is continuing to hold you and your family up in prayer. Your FAITH, your reliance on God is a real testament to all who see you, hear you, read your blog.

    ReplyCancel
    • Serena
      10 years ago

      Thank you, and every single soul that has taken our name to the throne of God! Thank you.

      ReplyCancel
      • Caleb Hood
        10 years ago

        I find your articles and scriptures to be very comforting in the loss of my mother. Briana and I love you guys and you’re still in our prayers.

        God bless.

        ReplyCancel
    • Lenisa
      10 years ago

      Our church is lifting you up as well. May God continue to bless, heal and comfort you as only He can during this time…

      Thank you so much for allowing what you are going thru to help me and others. I know that God allows us to go thru things just for this reason but you are doing it Right FROM THE GET GO!!! I would not be able to do that…Thank You. Thank You, Thank You!!! <3

      ReplyCancel
  2. Debbie Hendrix
    10 years ago

    http://youtu.be/JmyUgsmCzB4

    ReplyCancel
    • Michelle Shutt
      10 years ago

      My love and prayers continue to be with you and your family.
      May God be with your every step. Thank you for your encouragement and example.
      Keep on keeping on….

      ReplyCancel
      • nicole
        10 years ago

        Wow. After reading your post yesterday, my thoughts were gathering to make a comment to you. These were my thoughts: Thanking God on your behalf for suffering well! The gospel is real. Real people respond to the gospel. Real life happens to those who respond to the gospel. The world NEEDS to see real people who respond to a real gospel respond to real life. The world needs to see Christians suffer well for Him. “Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.”
        I came to know that saving power of Christ in one of the worst times of my life. I know that God saves and comforts those who turn to Him. I know His children will suffer. I have always said, I just want to suffer well.” I am not always sure of what that looks like. I am sorry for your suffering. I pray this is a comfort to you that I am thankful for your example. Just as in the verse above I am able to see the grace of God, His power, Christ preached, light brought to darkness, the church, the manifold wisdom of God, His eternal purpose, boldness and confidence in Christ, faith and God being glorified. Thank you for your example of suffering well in a real world by wholly trusting in a real God who really saves!!! To God be all glory!!!

        ReplyCancel
        • Dee
          10 years ago

          Thank you for your example of God’s, Faith, courage and love in You!

          In Christ
          Love
          dee

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Serena
10 years ago 8 Comments Death and Dyingsuffering loss, surviving the loss of a child1,380
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