Suffer gracefully.
A lot of time has passed since I last blogged. God has been nudging me lately to get back into writing. Not only does he desire that I write, but he desires that I be consistent and purposeful with my writing. Most importantly, he desires that I write exactly what he tells me to write versus what may be in my mind or heart. I respect his desires and I will honor them. Before even setting the time aside to read this blog entry. I'm sure that you read the title and perhaps, even, wondered what in the world does "suffer gracefully" mean and how does one go about doing such a thing. Suffer gracefully is what the Holy Spirit instructed me to do the morning of Saturday, July 13, while I sought the Lord in prayer. I have to be honest. I have never faced a journey like this one. Even with reading the journey of those of biblical times or meeting and speaking with other believers. I don't feel I was prepared for this journey. When I think about suffering or "going through". My first thought is of my childhood. Although it wasn't perfect, I didn't experience what anyone would label as suffering - not even close. I never went hungry or experienced my parents not being able to provide for me and my sibling. I don't even remember our refrigerator or pantry appearing bare in between grocery store visits. I was a very observant child. So, I know these things didn't actually occur and I somehow missed them. What I do know is this. Giving God a "real yes" will yield major results, but not without your successfully passing major tests. One of the tests you must pass may include suffering.
1 Peter 5:10 KJV
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
Of course, Webster's dictionary includes the definition of the words suffering and gracefully, but the best definitions to share with you are the definitions suffer and grace. Suffer means to submit to or be forced to endure. Whereas grace means a virtue coming from God or ease and suppleness of movement or bearing. I don't know what these two definitions mean to you, but to me, they simply mean this. Submit to enduring the process with ease! Don't resist, don't whine, don't cower to distractions. Endure as if you have already reached the end of the process. Why? Because you will! God designed things for you to be victorious and not defeated!
Psalm 119:71 KJV
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
What are the statutes of God? The statutes of God are his laws, testimonies, and rules. Following God's statutes involves learning and following his voice, seeking him and adhering to what God says is right. What better time to learn God's statutes then when things are unfavorable and in somewhat of disarray? When things are good, we tend to feel invincible and at times we even lack humility due to things appearing to be so favorable. Often, it's not until we find ourselves in a "valley experience" and a place of suffering that we are vulnerable enough to intensely seek a better understanding of God's statutes. It's during times of lack that life may not feel good or look good, but aligning ourselves with God's statutes will cause things to turn out for our good!
James 1: 2-4 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
I encourage you, brothers and sisters, to pray, fast and seek God in such a way that your times of trial, testing, transition and even suffering is endured with ease(grace). Seek the face of God! Adopt and live by his statutes. Pray without ceasing and trust in the Lord with all your heart. Will you ever feel weary? Absolutely! But, trust that your reward is coming if you suffer gracefully and faint not!