Suffer a Little

Completion – how we love to finish the day, the dishes, the laundry, the long trip, the homework.  There’s a feeling of “ahh” in being done with something.  That is, unless it’s the mountain trip or the beach or brownies & milk.  Yeah …

God seeks to complete His work in His children, too!  Oh, but how we resist His work-in-progress!  One of Satan’s notorious lies is Christians should be free from hardships.  Quite the contrary!  Peter wrote, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10)  Our difficulties are tools of in the Father to make us more like Him, that “fragrant aroma” Paul describes (2 Corinthians 2:15).  When we do battle with our sufferings, however, the aroma is more like a stench to God!  We move toward completion of God’s work, rather, when we understand The Creator isn’t finished with His creation. Embracing God’s work-in-progress through our troubles, we bear a holy resemblance, having a real “ahh” effect to the spirit and to those around us.  Consider your present storm and that God wants to  complete some special work in you.  Cease the battles, settle in to “suffer a little.”  God will show you beauty in your troubles, and reward with unspeakable joy!

Dear Lord,

I praise You for Your sovereign grace that redeems and sanctifies.  Stay my mind on You and in Your Word, making me new and right before You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.