Trials, BLECH

When I started this little journaling challenge I thought it would be no big deal to make this available to others.  I have found over the last couple of weeks that many days my thoughts and reactions to the scripture are very personal and very much NOT for public consumption.  That's ok, that means that the Spirit is working on my heart but it also means I don't always have something to share.  I hope that's ok.

Today's scripture is no one's favorite.  No one wants to experience trials.

It's also a hard one for me because I struggle with having an appropriately soft heart.  I can easily compartmentalize my feelings and tell myself - well it's just fiery trials, or it's not my fault or bad things happen or whatever and then move on.

See we can use scriptures like this to make us harder - to discount trials and struggles - rather than letting them make us softer and more pliable as they did Jesus.  The difference is willingly entering the suffering.

It's also key to note that just because you have trials doesn't mean they are not still your own fault and the result of your own choices.

There is a difference between troubles that come from stealing, murdering and meddling in the affairs of others - how interesting that meddling is in the same list a stealing and murdering.

Today I rejoice because the last few months have had quite a few trials - bronchitis, challenges with the new job, interpersonal challenges, etc.  So today I am choosing to rejoice that they suck and I suffer but they have all caused me to walk closer to my Creator.

Great God, my redeemer.  Redeem my pitiful self and all the struggles I unintentionally create.  Redeem them that they work to my good.  Redeem them that they help me walk closer to you and understand your willing suffering just a bit more.  Help trials and struggles make me softer and more broken as they did you.  Amen


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1 Peter 4:12-16

¹² Dear ones, don’t be surprised when you experience your trial by fire. It is not something strange and unusual, ¹³ but it is something you should rejoice in. In it you share the Anointed’s sufferings, and you will be that much more joyful when His glory is revealed. ¹⁴ If anyone condemns you for following Jesus as the Anointed One, consider yourself blessed. The glorious Spirit of God rests on you. ¹⁵ But none of you should ever merit suffering like those who have murdered or stolen, meddled in the affairs of others or done evil things. ¹⁶ But if you should suffer for being a Christian, don’t think of it as a disgrace, as it would be if you had done wrong. Praise God that you’re permitted to carry this name.