A quick survey among friends and family would reveal that at this very moment, someone you love is enduring a trial. Perhaps I am someone you love.
Several weeks ago I shared with a friend, an older woman in the faith, of how I am consistently pursuing a new area of obedience in my life---an area that has been developed for years in hers. Her response: "You know what's coming right? Trials and suffering."
She was right. And I was prepared...sort of.
As a follower of Christ, I so often think I am fortified for trials; and yet, I'm somehow always caught off guard--surprised even--that my faith might be refined and my trust in Him tested.
I recently reached for a pen while listening to a message by John MacArthur on the radio, and jotted this down:
The worth of a soldier is never realized in times of peace.
This struck me deeply, as I considered my purpose and that I am equipped for all that the Lord puts before me. We are soldiers, friends. If you currently find yourself in battle, and "times of peace" seem to elude you, take heart! Trials and suffering are to be expected--and are used to His glory. Receive this encouragement from the apostle Paul: "You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus... Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:1a, 3)
Be strengthened today, for "...my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)