Monday Morning Manna
Monday, November 16
Monday Morning Manna
So I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5
Yesterday we listened to a message from Sis. Sharna Grandison who encouraged us to put our pain to work. With background scriptures Isaiah 6:1-5 and Luke 23:26-43, Sis. Grandison spoke of Joseph, Job and Isaiah to remind us to take our pain and put it to work. Scripture is clear that if we would follow Christ, we must take up our cross (see Luke 9:23-26). Sis. Grandison reminded us that pain is a consequence of the fall of man. However, we also see that our Savior Jesus Christ in His act of redemption was not exempt from suffering and pain, this means neither will we be exempt. So the question was asked ‘how are we using our pain?’ My favorite part is the suggested response – will you use your pain as a propellant to exalt our great and mighty God or as a depressant, somehow implying God cannot handle your situation?
As Christians we never have to endure pain alone or in vain. God gave us His Spirit to live in us, acting as comforter and helper through trials. He actively heals and guides us through suffering, reminding us that we are “persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:9). When you decide to use your pain to glorify God then you are propelling yourself into a new dimension that says here I am God, use me.
God wants us not only to withstand suffering, but to suffer well. When men and women of faith weather the hardships of this life with joy, they prove their hope lies in a future glory with Christ.
Though secular culture exalts self-fulfillment as the ultimate goal of life, Christians know true freedom is found in submission to God and trusting His will whatever pains we face. The promise of suffering would be a dismal promise if our God were not infinitely glorious—perfectly all powerful, sovereign, compassionate, wise, and merciful. But indeed, we serve the one, true God, the matchless Creator. We can always trust Him to use our pain for His glory and our good.
May you be encouraged to find God’s glory in your pain.