Suffering Exposes Our Hearts

Suffering Exposes Our Heart

Romans 5:4

We rejoice in suffering.

Suffering brings perseverance.

We are strengthened in suffering, not just submitting and enduring under it.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Perseverance proves what you’re made of.

Experience shows what you have been through and how you went through it.

Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.Job 23:8-12

How we respond in times of suffering proves what we truly believe.

If we believe that God is not good or God does not know best, we will look elsewhere for help and hope.

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!Isaiah 31:1

If we believe that God good and He always knows best, we will look to Him for help and hope.

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.2 Samuel 22:31-33

Trials are not our primary problems, our heart is.

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.Proverbs 4:23

Difficulty will come. We must prepare our heart for an appropriate response.

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.Mark 7:21-23

Perseverance builds proven character.

Your story of God’s grace is meant to encourage and help others.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.Psalm 51:12-15

Your proof of God’s faithfulness validates the call to discipleship.

Protect your heart.

Feed your heart.

Talk of God’s faithfulness.

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