"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." 1 Peter 5:10
No man or woman is born great; we were all, at one time, babies. So too, if you are longing for strong faith that grabs hold of the hem of Jesus – It will take time. Suffering is not meant to make us feel like martyrs; nor is it meant to give us something to complain to others about. Instead, suffering is given to us so we can grow in the faith of Christ. For a little while, we will suffer.
But suffering is the method of growth; no one’s faith is worth much if it hasn’t been tried. And while we would never ask to go through suffering or pray that others would go through terrible turmoil, we know the Lord allows tests to build up our character. Peter tells us its purpose is to “perfect” us.
In ancient Israel, fishermen would throw large nets into the sea to catch many fish. They would pull in their catch, but inevitably the work of the net was sometimes so great – it would get torn holding all the fish or being cast against the rocks. The fishermen would then “perfect” or “mend” their nets so that they could be useful again. So too, God is “mending” you through the very thing you are afraid of: the pain of suffering. Don’t feel sorry for yourself; don’t believe that somehow, God is mad at you; and don’t turn your back on God because you’d rather experience prosperity. Instead, pray - Lord, please teach me Your ways, help me to have a heart like Your heart, and mend me so I can be useful again to You. Amen.
Do live in Berkshire Country, Massachusetts? Consider visiting Berkshire Hills Baptist Church for our 11:00 AM services! As a preview, listen to one of our Bible believing sermons below.
In ancient Israel, fishermen would throw large nets into the sea to catch many fish. They would pull in their catch, but inevitably the work of the net was sometimes so great – it would get torn holding all the fish or being cast against the rocks. The fishermen would then “perfect” or “mend” their nets so that they could be useful again. So too, God is “mending” you through the very thing you are afraid of: the pain of suffering. Don’t feel sorry for yourself; don’t believe that somehow, God is mad at you; and don’t turn your back on God because you’d rather experience prosperity. Instead, pray - Lord, please teach me Your ways, help me to have a heart like Your heart, and mend me so I can be useful again to You. Amen.
Do live in Berkshire Country, Massachusetts? Consider visiting Berkshire Hills Baptist Church for our 11:00 AM services! As a preview, listen to one of our Bible believing sermons below.
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