I donʼt know if i can speak for you, but the past couple of months have been hard. There has been fear and anxiety and tears and frustration and just about everything in between. For
the most part, I have been holding everything inside, overcome by a fear to talk about my feelings and a constant whirring of my mind, but tonight in the shower as I was singing along to worship music, it hit me: God has purpose for my suffering and He wants me to share my story for His kingdom.
On the nights when our hearts are broken and our souls cry out to Him, Jesus is doing His most powerful work. He is standing next to us, holding our hands, reminding us that we do not have to fight this war because it is already won. With His final breaths, Jesus cries, “it is finished!” Let those words wash over you, let them fill up the cracks in your heart, allowing for Godʼs word to mend your brokenness; it is finished. The things of this earth no longer have power over us! The fear, the depression, the confusion, the anxiety, it is NOTHING in comparison to the Lord Almighty. He has overcome the world! (John 16:33)
Not only do we need to remember that the battle is already won, but we must constantly view suffering as a way to feel Godʼs connection in a deeper way than ever before. Today I
saw a quote that asked, “What if every feeling of emptiness was your chance to experience the fullness of Christ?” We will never truly experience the power of Christ apart from suffering. When we are on our knees in tears and our souls are crying out, God is NEAR. He is running after us, He is breaking u free of the chains that bind us, the sting of Hell has no more power over His children! However, this redemption that God promises can only be received through suffering... we must take up our crosses next to Jesus in order to
truly find Him.
Through this newfound connection with Christ, He uses our suffering to reveal our purpose. The pain we experience in this life is our fuel to spread and glorify His name. Jesus utilizes our suffering and transforms us into witnesses for His glory. Although we are broken, we are His vessels, and we are called to share our stories and bring people to Christ. Romans 8:17-8 says: "Now if we are children, then we are heirs- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the joy that will be revealed in us." We will feel God's glory most fully surround us through our suffering. We are PURPOSED! In times of suffering, God does not call us to be idle, but rather He encourages us to run to His comfort and find the joy only He can provide. When we choose to follow Christ, when we choose to tell our stories, His purpose for each and every one of His children is revealed through the joy that we receive from glorifying His name.
So, here is the start of my story. I am no longer letting my sadness and anxiety control my life. Here I am, at Jesusʼ feet, laying it all down, begging for Him to use me for His kingdom.
These tears are not in vain.
My anxiety is not going to control my life.
Stress & fear can no longer define me.
Through my suffering, I have experienced Your glory and felt Your redemption.
Through Your redemption, I am free.
Lord, Iʼm ready. I am not afraid because now i know that my suffering is for Your
glory. All this pain is worth it if it means I am serving your kingdom. Amen.
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