Is anyone among you troubled? Is anyone struggling, hurting, or grieving?
Many of us are suffering in problems and sickness even though we pray. It helps me to know that when I don’t get the answer I want there is a reason intended for our good. GOD declares that our struggles are producing things in us (James 1:2-4) and that our temporary troubles benefit us and are achieving things for us that will last forever (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).
We who believe in and have called on the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, the eternal Word (John 1:1-3, 14), the SON of GOD (John 3:16) who took on a human body, was born of a virgin, died on the cross for man’s sins and was raised again for our justification believe the written word of GOD referenced as the Bible. The Bible speaks to us today. Do we pay attention to GOD’s word?
If we believe in JESUS we are born again and become children of GOD (John 1:12-13, John 3:5-7).
JESUS in bringing many sons (believers) to glory -HE the ONE through whom GOD the FATHER created all things (Hebrews 1:1-3) that JESUS had to suffer in all ways that men suffer (Hebrews 2:10-11,18, 4:15), JESUS suffered not just to save us from punishment but also to prepare HIMSELF as our high priest. (Hebrews 2:17).
Therefore HE (JESUS CHRIST) had to be made like HIS brothers in every respect, so that HE might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of GOD, to make propitiation (atonement) for the sins of the people (Hebrews 2:17).
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love GOD, to those who are the called according to HIS purpose. For whom HE foreknew (would believe in JESUS), HE also predestined to be conformed to the image of HIS SON, that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:28-29).
The LORD JESUS CHRIST was prepared to be our Savior and High Priest through the things that HE suffered, and we also are prepared to be what GOD has called us individually to be through the things that we suffer.
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of CHRIST’s sufferings, that when HIS glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy (1 Peter 4:12-13).
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of JESUS CHRIST (1 Peter 1:6-7),
Therefore, since CHRIST suffered in HIS body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin (1 Peter 4:1).
Whatever you are suffering, or a loved one is suffering it is for your and their good and will achieve great things for both of you.
Hugs Sharon
wakemyear 