1 John 4:19
September 12, 2023
FEAST OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH – 13th SEPTEMBER
September 13, 2023
THE 12TH OF SEPTEMBER
THE SUFFERING ALLOWED BY GOD MODELS OUR CHARACTER
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. – 1 Peter 5:10
It is very difficult to love to suffer. Pain is not something we like or seek, but sometimes we have to go through it, because of our bad choices or of those around us. The truth is that while going through hard times, we can hear God better and should be more willing to change. Life on earth is not easy and suffering is an integral part of it.
Because God called us to be His forever, He pours His blessings and favor into our lives, even if we have to suffer for a little while. Compared to eternity, even a hundred years is just “a little while.” The Lord will use the challenges and trials that come our way, as a result of our free will or of those around us, to “complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish” us. The sufferings we go through in our lives, make us who we ultimately are.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Thank You Lord for all Your grace and for being with me in every trial and victory. You never leave me or forsake me and I can always count on Your help. You called me to be in Your eternal glory, in Jesus, and even if I have to suffer from time to time, while here on earth, You use the hardships of this life to complete, confirm, strengthen and establish me, making me to be what I should be. Glory and praises to Your holy Name, Lord God. Bless us in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Source: thetruthstandsforever
