Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. (James 5:10-11, NIV)
Do you feel blessed? I know there are times I feel anything BUT blessed. While there are periods of peace and contentment living with my daily challenges, there are times I rail against the challenges presented to me. My middle son recently got married and is moving into a new-for-them house. He is SO excited and calls me to tell me all about it. He says, “Mom, I’ll come and get you and bring you over to see it!”
The reality of the situation is that I probably won’t make it over there to see his house any time soon, but boy do I want to go! I want to just get up and get dressed and go. At least, that is what my brain wants. My body says, “WHAT in the WORLD are you thinking?” I get frustrated. I look to God and wonder why. Why me?
Then I go to God’s word. Suffering is often found therein. God gives so many examples of suffering in the Scriptures. He also tells us of the patience of those who suffered. God never sends us off into unknown territory without some kind of guidance. He is always there for us, showing us the way. Even if it is a step by step process. We are not going down this road alone. Though it may feel as if we are alone, He goes before us with His promises and assurances.
Scripture offers a magnificent promise to those of us who suffer. Blessings abound. How hard that can be to understand; but God does not lie. There is much to gain: Patience, the ability to persevere, and coming to know the Lord’s compassion and mercy are just a few of the blessings along the way. We can gain so much by going down this road. For me, they are things I may not be able to learn any other way. So, whether or not we feel blessed, God promises us that we are when we simply keep going - one foot in front of the other, a step at a time on the path in front of us.
Father God, It can be so difficult to understand that all of these challenges are blessings in disguise. I pray that you help us keep our focus on You, Your promises, and Your word. Help us to remember that there is learning in each challenge that forces us to lean upon You. Amen and amen. So be it, Lord!