We live in a time where many Christians would say that suffering has no role to play in our life. Everyone looks for ways to escape if they ever see suffering at a distance. But the Bible is full of examples of how suffering made people into mighty warriors. There is a purpose in every process that we go through. As a young adult, I can look back into my life and remember incidences that weren't pleasant. I'm sure you too could recall and remember certain memories that you wish they weren't part of your life. But the bold you, the confident you or the experienced you wouldn't be here if it weren't for those sufferings. Every suffering has a purpose. If you find yourself in a similar place today, know that you are heading towards something greater.
Blog five: Suffering molds us into His image
After everything that the metal has gone through in the Trough, the metal now looks like a rock with no shape. The metal may be glossy and heavy and full of potential but the journey has to continue a little more. Master has intended something great but the metal needs to embrace the next process.
This reminds me that you have got great gifts, talents, and notable abilities hidden deep within you but you find yourself buried and unnoticed from the world. But things will begin to transform in your life when the master picks you up takes you into his workshop. Stay encouraged no matter how hard it looks because everything that happens with you during this process is vital.
John 12: 24 Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
There is a striking similarity between a tiny seed and the making of the sword. In both cases, if they have to become something of great use, they need to say yes to the process of suffering. For the seed, it's the burial beneath the dark soil. For the metal, it's the process of hammering.
Bearing His image.
Just as a formless metal rock and a tiny seed start taking its form in the middle of pressure God is transforming our spirit into His image during the season of pain and hardship. Everything about us is changing in suffering. Our speech will start to sound more like Jesus, our desires will become more of God's desires. Our pride will leave and our lives will be more God-centered. The process goes on until we resemble Christ and no longer us.
What do you want to be when the world sees you? A man who doesn't know the God of the Bible will say things that are centered around him. I want the world to see me as the most successful, how beautiful I look, how strong I'm, or how intellectual I am. But a man after God's heart will say, I want the world to see Jesus in me more than anything else.
I don't know what circumstances you are in at this moment. You may be battling a sickness, you may be feeling alone in your journey, you may be betrayed by someone. The struggle can be big or maybe small. When you come out of it you will come out bearing an image of Christ. God loves to use people who resemble Him all the way possible.
Dear Abba,
Everything that I am going through has a beautiful purpose. Sometimes I feel weak during this process of hardship, but your grace is sufficient for me. Give me the strength to trust in you and in your promises. Thank you that you are with me in the road I am walking.
In Jesus' name!
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