Finding Strength in Suffering: A Journey through Faith.
Posted by appolus on January 8, 2025
There may be real submission to the will of God while we can’t help wishing things were otherwise. God does not ask us to feel that everything is for the best, but He does ask us to believe it (Andrew Bonar)
This is a deep truth. It is learned in the deepest valleys and the sorest of trials and loss. It may be well with our souls, as the beautiful old hymn goes, but our hearts can be broken. It is in the midst of that brokenness, that pain, that loss, that we draw near to God and He draws near to us. A broken and a contrite heart O God you will not despise (Psalm 51:17) Suffering produces endurance which produces character and hope (Rom 5:3-5) Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial ( James 1:2 ) The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit ( Psalm 34:18 )
We are to be rewarded, not only for work done, but for burdens borne, and I am sure that the brightest rewards will be for those who have borne their burdens without murmuring (Andrew Bonar ) A thankful heart in the face of great trial, is the ultimate in believing our God, in trusting Him, it is the very essence of faith. It causes that old liar, the devil, to shut his mouth and his accusations against the most high God that His people only love them because of favorable circumstances. It is out of darkness, that God Himself has commanded light to shine forth. And that light is the very essence of glory and love. It is a tangible force that heals and restores and draws us very near to our Lord and our God.
A Call To The Remnant 
Finding Strength in Suffering: A Journey through Faith. – Online Answers said
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Anonymous said
Thank you Frank, the narrow way is surely a buffeted way, I personally in the last few years have gone through trials that I thought sometimes I would never come through….however, I have only because of His grace.
The hardest thing for me has been letting go of that self preservation and the walls you build up from a difficult childhood to completely trust in the Lord. Recently I came through a trial where my heart felt so crushed and broken because of a deep fear that I knew I could not possibly overcome myself at all, I was in despair because it was ever before me. With that deep pain and distress in my heart came such a beauty and sweetness that can’t be described…His wonderful upholding grace I imagine. He brought me through.
So many tears, so much crying out, not so much now to be set free but to love Him and know Him and to fully let go my whole life and being to Him, to so delight in Him.
Words are not enough or can fully express the dealings of the Lord in your life… I have found comfort in the testimonies and insights of brothers and sisters that have come through great trials. I specially have been blessed by JC Philpot and his deep understanding and insight into suffering.
God bless you brother
appolus said
I understand about the difficult childhood and how that causes self preservation. The Lord told me a few years ago that I didn’t know what it looked like to “let go.” It was not condemning, just factual. I’d been holding since I was a child and all of my adult life and the holding on was so “normal,” to me. The Lord is so patient and painstakingly undoes our crossed wires. He renews us and restores us to what He wants us to be………..bro Frank