Suffering doesn’t typically feel good, it isn’t glorious and sometimes we don’t know it’s coming our way. Suffering may feel like we’re in the wilderness, without access to refuge. How satisfying it is to know our Heavenly Father, will appear right there in the wilderness, in the valley, and He’s there on the mountain top. We are never alone. We never have to fight alone. The Lord of Hosts is our battle ax, and is there to fight our battle for us when we surrender it all to Him.

Peter encourages us when he says, “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. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed”
(‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬, NIV). Sometimes our first response is to ask why we are experiencing it, wondering why it’s happening to us or our loved ones. In this life, we will have trials and tests. As we grow in Christ our view of trials and tests will change. As Peter says, we are to rejoice, knowing that God’s glory is being revealed because Christ endured suffering as well.

Paul writes to rejoice always, pray continually. Our prayer life will greatly impact our attitude when we go through suffering. Drawing closer to God through studying His Word, praying, fasting and fellowship with other believers, reminds us of Who God is. We know He is right there with us. Nothing His does is for our harm, so we have assurance knowing that because we love Him, it’s all for our good. Satan may try to use it for evil, but God is allowing it for our good.

Be encouraged children of the Most High God. I’m going through some tests as i write this blog. I was reminded on a prayer call to continue trusting God, lean not to my own understanding and was encouraged to give God praise in the midst of it all because He has already worked it out! I will not allow the enemy to steal my joy. Holy Spirit reminded that the Joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Jesus holds it all together!