Daily Devotional may 21 - Solace In The Storm

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." 1 Peter 4:12-13

It's hard to look at the troubles that we go through with anything other than disdain. But part of maturing is to see the actions of this world through the eyes of God. Whether or not you are a Christian you are going to have troubles, complications, sickness, pain, obstacles, barriers, disappointments and for some even greater calamities.

While in the middle of troubles, your perspective determines much of the level of pain and disappointment. Those who have come to know God fair better in these situations because they understand that even the worst of situations, because of the universal work of God among mankind, God can be glorified in your situation and you can gain experience and perspective. And if you really want to you can find peace and even joy, knowing that nothing has come upon you that God is not going through with you.

Think of it this way. Why not squeeze life for all it has? God makes it clear that you are not in your problem alone. You will get through it. Being a partaker with Christ means a whole lot more than suffering with Christ. Problems and turmoil is measurable. The benefits of being a child of God are immeasurable.

I would say that most people have a very short term view of their situation and life in general, but there are other perspectives that are godly and will provide much comfort. Seeing further out beyond your troubles with an understanding that what God has allowed has a bigger purpose than what you can see and that because God is thoroughly involved in your situation, you can have an expected end of hope and joy and peace. If you can find a way to think that what you are going through has purpose and to believe in your heart that God is sovereign and that no matter what man does to you, God is bigger, you will find solace in the storm and peace in your heart and the power to get through it.