IT’S DARKEST BEFORE SUNLIGHT

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NLT)

12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

The Message version:

13 No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.

I love reading the book of Genesis and the story of Joseph. When Joseph was being sold into slavery by his own brothers I can only imagine how dreadful his thoughts were. He probably thought his life was over, what an unbearable heartbreak by your own flesh and blood. Here was an innocent man who went through years of adversity and yet remained faithful to God. Then in Egypt, he was indicted on false charges and was then thrown into prison. How much worse could it get...and it did get worse. He then was forgotten in prison. Time and time again, there were disappointments but each one built his spiritual maturity....all preparing his heart for His God designed purpose. He trusted God even when it didn't make sense. How beautiful that as a result of Joseph’s suffering and endurance, by God’s grace and power, Joseph was promoted to governor of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself. I am sure Joseph, like any human, had his bad days where he doubted, but overall he resisted bitterness and he remained steadfast in trusting and loving God. That is all that is required of us. To love and trust God in His work. He was soon lifted from the pit to the place of GLORY (God ALWAYS lifts us from the pit - Psalms 40:2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along). 

The message of this story is summarized in Joseph’s address to his brothers in Genesis 50:19-21: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.”

My friends, we all know suffering is painful and uncomfortable. It can also be fear consuming if we open that door. But suffering is a true place of growth in the midst of heartbreak. Like Joseph said in Genesis 50:19-21, it is there He will accomplish things for His glory, which is our true purpose on this earth. 

While I was reading on the Apostles for Jesus and how they suffered horrible deaths/punishments for preaching the gospel, I pondered why would God let them suffer so terribly at the hands of these people, especially in knowing He had the power to prevent any of them...and the Holy Spirit quickly reminded me:

• Because it was in their suffering they radiated their joy and love for Jesus
• It was documented that many came to believe in the Messiah through witnessing this joy in adversity
•  God uses our suffering to allow us an opportunity to be a witness to unbelievers – it is there others are watching how we respond closely. How easy to smile when all is good, but how beautiful to smile in the midst of a storm because our faith is unshakable

My grandmother’s wisdom was a true gift to me from childhood to adulthood. She always taught us to give thanks always and in all things. If you know her then you know when my grandfather had his stroke, the very FIRST thing she did when she found him before calling 911 was gave God thanks. What a faithful heart. It was by habit she did this because she truly loved and lived for 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. She cherished that verse and had it written on her heart since childhood.  I use to question why God allowed that stroke upon such a God fearing man, but in his suffering a stroke and my grandmother's trial of losing his mobility to it, she visited him in every day at the veteran's home with true Jesus joy in her heart! She would drive up there smiling, worshipping, and radiating her faith among other visitors and the staff. They often told her she exuded a true peace and joy. This my friend, is standing faithful in a trial!

• God uses suffering to deepen our relationship with Him and even others
• Like a child who runs to a parent for nurturing when being hurt, God provides us with a deep unconditional love and spiritual peace that fills our void when we truly SEEK HIM ( Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you )

A trial in life is bound to happen. As gold is purified in the fire, so are we. It helps us to grow more like Christ. Instead of resisting the purpose, remind yourself the best things in life can come out of wounding:

·      Wheat is crushed before it becomes bread

·      Incense must be cast upon fire before odors are released

·      Ground must be broken with the plough before a seed is planted

If you are suffering in something today, begin with giving thanks. Yes, it may sound crazy but a thankful heart produces joy. It is a fact. God never allows something to act in our lives if a God purpose cannot derive from it. Be still my heart, HE IS AT THE HELM. My grandmother always said ‘God is to good to be unkind, to wise to make a mistake…and when you cannot trace His hand you can ALWAYS trust HIS HEART!’