If it’s from God, then it must be great! It’s gotta feel wonderful and be so exciting right? It definitely must be a really good plan! So what is this really good plan? Well… God’s good plan was the death of Christ. His plan was for Christ to suffer for us! I’m pretty sure you’re saying to yourself, “that can’t possibly be His good plan?”
But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief” Isaiah 53:10
The Lord was given as an offering for sin so that we may live and have the opportunity to choose Him. The grief He endured would accomplish a greater good (for us).
Consider this… If God’s good plan was to crush His own son and cause Him grief, what makes you think we will be spared from being crushed? What makes you think we will be exempt from grief? Since we are called to be like Christ, then we shall surely suffer as well! Why must we be so arrogant and have the audacity to think we aren’t going to go through things? Then we have the nerve to complain every step of the way, instead of considering it great joy to have the opportunity to be a part of His sovereign plan.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4
We aren’t better than Christ! Let us reexamine our hearts to change our perspective during the impending trials of this world. The “thorn” in our flesh, the pain, the trial, the hurt… can all be used to draw us nearer to the Lord! This will lead to endurance, increase in faith and true strength in the Lord!
“So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Our weakness, grief or suffering is an opportunity for Christ’s power to work through us by God’s grace. This is what makes us different as believers and followers of Christ! The Lord’s strength is shown through our weakness! Be encouraged, for His good plan has a purpose beyond measure. Lord I pray that we exhibit humility and that you are exalted. May we glorify you during these trials. May we worship you when suffering! If we could see forever, we would realize how worth it these earthly sufferings are.
