We can have inner peace through suffering, which makes no human sense, when our minds are focused on God and His Word.
We can use trying situations as an opportunity to teach our kids the solid foundation of peace, personally experiencing what they have heard about in Scripture. We can role-model to them calm confidence, and being doers of the Word, not hearers only. Modeling how not to be consumed with worry, doubt, and fear and thereby making them scared. We all have a chance to teach them the opposite–we all can choose a different path and peace. Thank you, Lord.
“.. and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:7-9
The Bible directs us to certain responses during times of suffering.
God is at work in our character through trials. My family saw the loss of my husband’s job as a real life opportunity to apply Scripture, showing how to respond in word, action, and mind. Through the unknown we are to persevere, to endure, press on, fight, looking for how the Lord wants to change and grow us.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
The outcome is already known by God.
We can confidently walk through trials knowing that one of the sweetest blessings of all is a deeper, more intimate walk with the Lord, whom we KNOW is real.
The real treasures in life: knowing Christ in an intimate way.
Look at Scriptures with the word treasure in them. Treasure means a deep walk with the Lord, and the richness of His character we personally experience as He meets our every need!
“…I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” Job 12:12
“..Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11
The end of the story is actually insignificant – God provided for all of our needs and another job for my husband in His timing, but the journey of our hearts is the real story. I hope you view your trial this way. I hope you will put off any signs of worry and put on trust.
About Rhonda Ellis
Rhonda Ellis is a wife of 29 years, a homeschooling mom to 6, a blogger, writer, speaker. Her passion is mentoring women in ways that impact hearts and homes for Christ. Grab a cup of coffee or a Diet Coke (water is allowed these days too) and be a "back porch" friend with her.Come read her blog at cultivatingahome.com. It's a great place to laugh, cry, share friendships and transparent hearts while sharing deep conversations about our journey with the Lord. You can also join her facebook page: www.facebook.com/TheRhondaEllis
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