Love God Greatly: BeatitudesНамуна

When we experience deep suffering, we often wonder if God has abandoned us. Instead, He tells us to rejoice in our sufferings, because we know we belong to Christ and are blessed because of His presence. Suffering is not the result of the absence of God but often draws us to seek Him. Our persistent desire for His presence will remind us to place our hope in our future reconciliation of relationship with Him.

This means that how we respond to suffering reveals what we think about God—as vindictive and angry or gracious and loving. His promise of future joy should motivate our response to suffering. We know it is temporary, we know that it is nothing more than Jesus experienced, and we know that it draws us closer in relationship to God. We can cultivate patience and longsuffering in our lives when we consistently respond to suffering with joy and hope. Suffering is not part of God's design, but He is gracious enough to use it in our lives for good instead of evil. 

Thank You, God, for suffering with us. Thank You for not leaving us in our pain and sin, but making a way for us to be reconciled with You. Thank You for promising us a future hope and joy.