Suffering

         Most people's lives don't remain the same for very long.  There may be times when things seem to go the same but if there is one thing sure, your life will soon change.  People's lives are much like the weather.  If you are not happy with the weather, just wait a few minutes and you will see it change.  The Doppler Weather Rock is real and is on my patio in two pieces.  It broke one day but has an inscription on it stating that it is the Doppler Weather Rock.  If I want to know what the weather is, I look at the little rock.  It is only accurate in that one moment in which you look at it.    A clear sky will soon cloud up and rain will happen.  Then, the clouds will break and the sun will shine brightly.  The same thing is true with our lives.  It all has to do with a common element that all believers seem to experience.  It is the experience of "suffering."  Most believers will say that they don't enjoy suffering.  Who would enjoy having what seems to be, bad things happen to them.  But, there is a purpose for it all and will often lead to greater things.  First Peter 1:7 says, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:" 
         If you were to give a one line evaluation of First Peter, it might read, "Suffering leads to glory."  Twelve times, the apostle Peter used the word "glory" in this first epistle.  Almost all of the occasions are connected to suffering.  Peter pointed out that while suffering is undoubtedly going to take place, it will give way to the greater experience, that of glory.  Sooner or later, you might experience sickness, grief, frustration, discouragement or depression.  King David experienced many of these things yet he gave us instructions in the Psalms by his example in that he would cry out to God for help during those times.  The same is true for us today.  Peter reminds us that it is the trying of our faith that leads to our suffering.  While we might think that we are where we want to be spiritually, God has other plans for us.  He is molding us into what He wants us to be.  This often includes a certain amount of suffering.  The "glory" part can't be seen at this time.  Notice that it becomes apparent at the "appearing of Christ."  While it might be difficult to say, remember that suffering does lead to glory.  So keep looking to God in every experience that you have.  He is there and He is not silent.  Praise God today for His molding of each of our lives.  As on church I know often says, "Scripture and Prayer to conform us to the image of Christ.