"I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me." Job 10:2
"To be left unmolested by Satan is no evidence of blessing." ~Streams in the Desert
I was priviledged to grow up in a wonderful church. I was surrounded by men and women who loved God and served Him faithfully. I loved to hear them preach and teach and sing. I loved to work alongside them, and it was my goal to be like them.
(I knew I was to model myself after Christ, but as long as these folks demonstrated Christ-likeness, I was pleased to follow their example.)
I can recall quite clearly the fear that struck me when I realized the important truth that every one of these faithful servants had been or was then going through some great adversity.
I remember saying to a friend, "I want to be a great Christian; but every great Christian I know has gone through some awful trial, some difficut test. I want to be a great Christian, but I don't want to suffer like that!"
It was immature. It was short-sighted. But it was very honest. I think we would all like to skip the steps of becoming Christ-like, and just wake up one day completely dead to self and walking perfectly after Jesus' example.
It doesn't work that way, as every child of God comes to realize. However, there is no reason to be fearful or resentful of the process God uses to make us like Him. It is a privilege to walk through the shadows so that we can see His light shine more brightly.
Job came to realize this truth, and to embrace the reality of it.
"…when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10
"Hope itself is like a star – not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity. " ~C.H. Spurgeon
I encourage you, as God gives you peace, embrace your trial. Trust His work in your life. Let the light of your hope shine out through the darkness of your pain.
Obtaining Mercy 