Why am I suffering?

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 (KJV)

Selah

O my soul, why are you downcast just because you are sick and feeling weak? Nothing has happened to you but what is common to all (1 Corinthians 10:13). God makes His rain to fall and His sun to rise on both the evil and the righteous (Matthew 5:45). Remember the difference though, the wicked suffer as they deserve while the suffering of the righteous will always work out for their good (Romans 8:28).

O my soul, do you believe the Word of God? I know you do. Hold tighter to your faith in the all sufficient grace of Jesus Christ in the mist of every raging storm (Mark 4:35-41). Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).

O Heavenly Father, I do believe your Word. Help my unbelief. Your precious promises have given me confidence to ask this. I know it will be will done in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen

Conformed to Whose Image?

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (KJV)

Selah

O my soul, resist the urge to want things your own way. Ease, comfort, profit, and pleasure are always pleasing to the flesh, but such are often the bait covering the snares of dead (Proverbs 14:12). Liberty doesn’t come from having it your way (Romans 6:23), liberty comes from choosing God’s way (Galatians 5:1).

O my soul, fix your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2), offer your obedience to God as a living sacrifice, hold tight to the truth, and be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:1-2). Then will you abide in the secret place of the Most High and dwell under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1).

O Heavenly Father, this world has oftentimes held too much of my attention. Keep me focused on the things above by thy Holy Spirit. That I may dwell in your secret place and abide under your shadow always. This I ask in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.