Digging Deeper – November 23, 2023
We give great honor to those who endure suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.
James 5:11 (NLT)
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)
THANKFUL FOR SUFFERING
Think back to times in your life that were difficult. As painful as they were, they probably were not as difficult as what Job endured. In case you aren’t familiar with his story, Job lost everything: his children, his wealth, his livelihood, and his health. Then, after he wallows in self-pity, he finally hears from God, and everything is restored.
Now, think back to the difficult times that you have been through. Even though they are nothing like what Job endured, it can seem like it will never end when we are going through things and waiting for God to come through.
Take a minute to reflect on the times that God has come through, even though you may have had to wait. With those times in your life in mind, look at Psalm 40:1-3:
I waited patiently for the Lord;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the Lord.
Remember that even though we might have to wait for God to act in some situations, we must realize that God’s acting is purely for his glory. So, when he acts, we should, like the psalmist, put a song of praise in our mouth and let other people know how God has come through for us.
Chris Boggess is the Next Generation/Family Pastor at NorthStar Church. He grew up in St. Albans, West Virginia, and still cheers for the Mountaineers. He and his wife, Heather, have two grown children and one granddaughter.