12/02/2022
We build character by facing trials and tribulations, and no one knows this better than the Christian. Our suffering hardens us in our belief, and builds up the resolve we have in our faith. Surviving our individual tribulations opens our eyes to the true character of Christ. However, our joint suffering with Him, and with one another, will bring us together as one; one in love, one in forgiveness, one in our faith, and one in every character trait of Christ that reflects the Father. Do we value who Jesus is enough to suffer with Him so that we will become as He is… free of imperfection?
“For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.”
Hebrews 2:10 ESV
When I was at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) we not only suffered individually, but together in many ways. We learned what it meant to have personal character, and the value of joint character when facing brutal trials too great to face alone. It is the same for Christians who learn to face the world of sin individually, but also realize how much easier it is to face that sin and temptation together with Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. We learn to love more completely when we love hand in hand with our Heavenly Father.
“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.”
1 John 4:16-17 ESV
Learning through suffering and hardship is an amazing and efficient method of instruction, and although it is difficult at first, and we have a very hard time understanding it’s value, once we come to know what it is then we can begin to relax and lean into its arms. When I was a cadet I had a large yellow sticker on the side of my suitcase it was a caricature of a cadet standing at attention while a dog peed on his leg as if he were a fire plug. I believe that the caption read “VMI… I AM BUILDING CHARACTER” you see, once you realize the value of suffering you can endure it gracefully, and sometimes with a smile. Purposeful hardship and pain are more readily endured when we see the value there. A man can lose a kidney and that is viewed as tragic, but if he willingly gives a kidney to someone on dialysis out of love and kindness then that is righteous and he is honored.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12 ESV
Are we capable of suffering through the trials in our lives? Are we willing to turn to Jesus when the hardships becomes too much for us? Are the lessons valuable enough to us that we will submit ourselves willing to them, and praise the Lord for them?
“For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.”
2 Corinthians 1:5-6 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for teaching us about yourself in the midst of our hardships and suffering. Thank you Lord for the comfort we receive, and the strength of character that comes from sharing our adversity with Jesus. Bring us together Father as we share ourselves freely, and offer ourselves to you and Jesus to be your temple, and abode. Help us to learn to be as you are, merciful, kind, loving, good, and in possession of every other characteristic you are willing to share. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who makes all things good for those who love you. Praised be your name for taking every worldly hardship, and all of our suffering, then working it for our good. Merciful are you in this way. Great is your love for us as you teach us to be like you are… even in the worst of times. Wash us in the blood of Jesus, and forgive us of our sins through His sacrifice, suffering, and death. Lift us up from death just as you did for Him… perfected, and transfigured by our obedience. Judge us not for who we are, but who we are in Christ, and seat us forevermore at your eternal table.
Rich Forbes