After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. – 1 Peter 1:10
I’ve been thinking a lot about the here and now, in light of eternity.
Some days are so difficult, so trying and so long! It’s hard in my human mind and this flawed human body, to focus on anything else.
I get into the Word, I spend hours in prayer, I connect with others, I do everything I can to keep my heart and my eyes where they need to be. But the background music of my physical reality is sometimes a jarring tune that refuses to be drowned out.
But our God has a different perspective than I do. His plans are centered around getting my soul and as many others as possible into Heaven with Him.
Let’s look at this from the perspective of any parent (of human or fur-babies)… do you sometimes have to allow your child to have discomfort for a moment so that their future well-being is more secure? I think about vaccinations, IV’s, or maybe a foul-tasting medicine. Do I enjoy my child’s tears? NO! But I recognize that this momentary hurt will make them more healthy. I realize that the pain will be fleeting and that these things need to happen in order for things to work properly and according to plan.
Our Father’s promises are based on an eternal viewpoint. When He says He will bring about good for those who love Him, He is referring to things that get our soul where it needs to be. When He promises we will not be shaken, He is expecting that we will lean on His strength and that our faith is what will not be shaken.
He has salvation in mind. And like a dog with a bone, He’s relentless, He’s focused, and He’s possessive. His love for us is that far-reaching.
God’s compassion is unfathomable to us. But it is also not exclusively a physical compassion. It is a compassion that puts Heaven in the forefront! We are standing on the front lines, and God’s main goal is not to keep His soldiers from any and all harm. It’s to win the war. It’s to gain as many souls as possible. Maybe my pain gains mine, maybe my pain gains yours. Either way, I signed up to fight and I am willing to bear whatever it takes.
I kneel and say, “Right Now. I’m in pain. Please fix it. Please heal me.”
The Father answers, with tenderness in His voice. He is willing me to understand. He wraps His arms around me and says, “Just a little while. I will give comfort when and where I can, but this is to be used for my glory, no matter how it came about originally. Your soul is whole, and that is what I see.”
Then He softly asks, “Do you trust me?”
Dearest Father, Thank You always for keeping watch over my soul. Thank You for making my puny existence a vessel You can possibly use to reach others for You… even one, Lord, even just as a tiny part of an encouragement or a salvation. I do trust You. I will continue to trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Shelly, what an encouraging post! I love that verse from I Peter, and the video made me smile as Salvador is one of my favorite groups. 🙂
Thanks, Lyli! Great to see you here today! I’m glad you were encouraged and enjoyed the song. I’m quite the music lover, and couldn’t imagine doing a post without music to go with it! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Oh, Shelly, what a wonderful post and great reminder of perspective. Let it all be for His glory.
Thanks so much for coming by and encouraging me, Janet! <3 All for His glory!! Exactly! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Blessings, Shelly! Your testimony is encouraging to me – for both me and my husband – as we struggle with early arthritis and back pain. As we age, this old tent starts breaking down. Through the loss of physical vitality, spiritual vitality is strengthened as we hope moreso in Jesus. So much to believing the Lord for in this season – so grateful He is faithful and will perfect that which concerns us.
Joy!
Kathy
Kathy, I’m so glad that God was able to encourage you and your hubby through the words He gave me! I am adding you both to my prayer list! Pain does change us, and if we let it, it can draw us ever closer to Christ. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I was just telling my mother a few days ago that I understand God has a plan for all of us, and I know that he will carry us through; but there are just some lessons I don’t feel like learning right now. Some areas in which I do not want to experience growth at the moment. I need to give up my idea of a plan and learn to trust His more.
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Hi, Rabia! It’s wonderful to meet you! I think that can be said of all of us… growth is always painful and none of us look particularly forward to it. Sounds like your heart is in the right place, with your faith and trust. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Yes, it is all about perspective…and trusting God that His is much better than ours! He sees the whole picture, we see only a snapshot. Though it can be difficult at times, I’m trusting Him! He is the best Parent I could ever ask for!
Blessings, Joan
Amen to that, Joan! So glad you stopped by today! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I think this post is amazing — I have friends who are in constant pain, but it is so evident that their daily reliance on God makes such a difference in their demeanor and heart. Praying for you, sweet friend, as you journey on.
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Thank you so much for your kind words, and especially for your prayers, Sister! They are what keep me going! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3