There is something about great hardship that makes us cling to God like never before. We desperately cry out to avoid the pain. He draws near to us, as He is compelled by His love for us. Then He reveals His glorious self to us! Pain may remain on some level, but it is lightened as we draw from His amazing coping resources, comfort, and even joy. Wait, joy? Yes, this is what Peter says in God’s Word:
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory – 1 Peter 1:6-8
As we struggle humbly with Him over our trials, we come face to face with the head-scratching reality that though He’s able, He has not chosen to change our circumstances … at least yet.
I experienced this first hand during the battle of my life against Stage IV metastatic melanoma, one of the most difficult cancers. They gave me days to live back in 2003 as the cancer had spread wildly. As I wrestled and waited, my faith muscles were initially too weak for the intensity of the battle. I was losing my grip. Yet He developed my trust in Him, and my connection with a Person, Jesus Himself, was strengthened immensely.
- Could it be this love relationship was still what I needed and wanted most in life? Had I “left my first love”? (Revelation 2:4)
- Could it be God did me a favor to strip away some alternatives to Him? Achievement, success?
- Could it be the fires of suffering purified my perspective on life, clarifying the most important things? People, contentment in Him?
The road of suffering is not a detour, it’s the path He uses to bring us real joy! This is precisely what Paul says in the Bible:
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. – Romans 8:18
Lord, please open our eyes to see suffering in a different light!
In His Grip,
Joe and Terri Fornear & Stronghold Ministry
Copyright © 2019. All rights reserved by Joe & Terri Fornear.
Scripture quotations from the NASB.
*Do you know “The Two Ways to Get to Heaven“?
*¿Tu sabes “Dos Maneras de Ir al Cielo”
As we see how we’re getting to share God’s love with the medical world, we are satisfied that God has allowed us to have this fairly unique ministry.
How else would we get to share of God’s constant love and attributes with Muslins, Hindus, unbelievers and other Christians in the hospital?
Would we prefer a different ministry opportunity? You bet!!! But when a believer makes him/herself available to God, you never know how He might call you to serve.
I hear ya, Ginny and Amen! The Lord calls us to be faithful wherever we’re at so we roll with it and share Him everywhere and anywhere! Keep going! I’ll write with an idea on how we can work more together!
Prayers!
Joe Fornear
But Joy comes in the morning! My battle with cancer has resulted in so much peace. Beyond my understanding.
Amen, Cheri! It is, after all, HIS peace and HIS joy that HE gives – so I don’t think He’s ever anxious or in self-pity or down in the dumps!
Blessings,
Joe Fornear