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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Our Choice Matters

This Tuesday’s In Other Words is hosted by Kathy of In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus.

“Nothing irritates Satan more than us choosing God over our pain and suffering. We can endure everything if we know Jesus is sitting next to us." (Joni Eareckson Tada)

I personally want to always choose to trust God and focus on God's power, faithfulness, and sovereignty over my pain and suffering whether it would irritate satan or not. I believe that when Jesus is our Life, we can endure anything because we no longer live but Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20). "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) And we do know that Jesus never leaves us nor forsakes us and we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.

What then shall we choose when facing pain and suffering? Sadly, some people choose to blame God and turn away from Him. But think about it....which is worse: suffering without God or suffering with God on your side? I know which one I'd choose. Here are other things I also choose:
  • Fixing my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith
"Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:3
  • Embracing an eternal perspective
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18
  • Praying for God's will
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of Him." 1 John 5:14-15
  • Resting in God's Word/promises
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
  • Bringing honor and glory to God
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31) "Whatever you/I do" includes how we react to our pain and suffering. May God be glorified through it all!

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6 comments:

  1. KarenMay 3, 2011 at 4:59 AM

    That was really good, thanks so much for sharing today. I was thinking of things I've chosen over the years to get me through with God. I've had to choose His strength over my weakness. I had to choose to focus on Him instead of ponder on my problems. I've had to choose to keep moving forward instead of going backwards. Praise the Lord God gives us ways to get through.

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  2. CarolMay 3, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    Thanks for listing wonderful promises of God in the Bible. Some of my deepest experiences in learning about God have come during periods of suffering. He has ever been faithful!

    peace and joy,
    Carol

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  3. April McGowanMay 3, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    I have found in times of illness and adversity, the first and best thing to do is pray and say, "your will be done." Complete surrender of our will to His good and perfect will relieves worries and fears, and allows me to just rest in the knowledge that I know He's in control. I'm not saying it's easy, and often there are tears involved, as he expects us to cry out to Him in our joys and sorrows, but crying out is not the same as rebelling or fighting against our circumstances. When total surrender happens, then His perfect strength and peace can enter in. God is so good.

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  4. Ginger~~Enchanting CottageMay 8, 2011 at 6:59 PM

    It is sad how sometimes we blame God. I have done this in the beginning with my relationship with him but not any more.
    God Bless,
    Ginger

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  5. PamelaMay 8, 2011 at 6:59 PM

    I love the quote by Joni E. Tada. She can certainly write about pain. I love thinking that His power is made perfect in my weakness. Such a good post to ponder.

    Blessings,
    Pamela

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  6. CharlotteMay 12, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    Amen. I want to always choose God too. Satan is very powerful, but he is no match for our God.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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