Suffering As Mercy

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But may it never be

that I should boast,

except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,

through which the world

has been crucified to me,

and I to the world.

~ Galatians 6:14

We boast in the cross when we bear it... instead of squandering our days pursuing bubbles that burst.

Ever find yourself pursuing goals in your life, even ones you sacrificed dearly for, ones you rejected the world's ungodly values for, ones for which you endured the condescension of others, ones that you thought were the will of God in your life, and after so much... they don't come to fruition? The confusion and pain that follows can be enormous. And you're left with a big question mark with no answers, not knowing what to do or even think. And the suffering is real.

Whatever

makes us more and more able

to enjoy

making much

of God

is

a mercy.

For there is no greater joy

than joy

in the greatness of God.

And if we must suffer

to see this

and savor it

most deeply,

than suffering

is a mercy.

And Christ's call

to take up our cross

and join him

on the Calvary road

is

love.

~ John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life

One thing you can do is pray that, whatever He ordains in your situation, that you would have grace to bear your cross with humility and forbearing faith and that He would give you joy in the greatness of God in the midst of your circumstances, no matter what they are, and no matter what comes next. Pray it in faith.

I have been crucified with Christ;

and it is no longer I who live,

but Christ who lives in me;

and the life which I now live in the flesh,

I live by faith in the Son of God,

who loved me

and gave Himself for me.

~ Galatians 2:20

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