Suffering is the tool necessary in a master surgeon's hand. It permeates into the veins and arteries of the human heart and soul causing it to strengthen its muscle and show what it’s made of. Suffering is not a curse but a sign of your victory. It is only given to those who still can feel, who has a heart of flesh and who can still shed tears.
It is the enemy of the “harden heart” and is designated to the strong. The partaking of suffering is glorious and produces contriteness, meekness, humility, Godliness, gratefulness, steadfastness, and discernment. It whines out the corruption of the world and sets you on the right posture, on your knees. It is the exercise of the prayerful and a glimpse into the heart and suffering of Christ. Don’t run from the pain, it is your glory and will transform you into a valiant spotless warrior.
1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.
16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
