A chrysalis was hanging from a branch. Inside, a butterfly seemed to be struggling. Curious to witness its emergence, an observer waited. Time passed, however, and the insect was still trapped in its self-made prison. So the person made a small tear in the chrysalis—hoping to relieve the butterfly’s struggle and suffering. It soon died, for the struggle to be free is essential to making a butterfly strong enough to survive. Without adversity, it won’t achieve maturity.
When we first read Psalm 105, it appears to be a joyful account of praise and worship, remembering all the things God had done for His people Israel. And it is! But if we look closer, we see that the events described were neither fun nor happy—quite the contrary. Joseph, used by God to deliver Israel, was first sold into slavery and dragged off in chains (Psalm 105:17-18). God’s chosen people were later mistreated and enslaved in Egypt (Psalm 105:25).
It couldn’t have been easy for the Israelites to see all the plagues of Egypt erupt around them while the Egyptians’ hate turned white hot against them (Psalm 105:28-38). Even the accounts of Moses striking a rock to produce water and the arrival of quail in the desert were times of intense trial and stress for God’s people (Psalm 105:40-41). Whole families—exhausted, thirsty, hungry—wandered in a foreign desert.
This is the way God works: providing in the midst of our suffering in order to develop and mature us. By doing so, He brings honor to His name and leads us to worship Him for who He is, not simply because life is going well. Struggles present opportunities to praise Him even as our faith is being tested. And His power provides what we need during our times of necessary suffering.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 49:1-33
More:
Read Hebrews 5:5-9 and consider what Jesus experienced through suffering.
Next:
Can you ask God to make you thankful for your current challenges? What has He taught you through past trials to equip you to help others as they struggle today?
Gary Shultz on January 30, 2017 at 5:39 am
Hi Russell: Yes, I think we can ask and expect to find thankfulness in hard times. Like the butterfly it may be a process, but the result will be a much clearer vision of our God. When God designed us, He gave the gift of a body the can be very industrious; we were designed for work. As you indicate, we will find difficulties as we engage in beneficial activities. Then the focus should be moved from us to God. Difficulties show us our weakness and short comings, even though remedies are found for the tangible and even for some inner struggles we feel the vacancy. There are massive attempts to correct that void from pills to pleasure. Those who have “pressed through” with God, find strength and renewed endurance from God’s help. From Genesis to Revelation God has promised help and strength to those who endure. We just don’t like the squeeze of getting through with God. Just like many who make resolutions to exercise, strength only comes to those who endure and do the work. And, those who have spiritual strength are prepared to do the service we were designed to do. Thanks Russell
don777 on January 30, 2017 at 6:00 am
Oh Lord Give me the strength to let go of me, myself & I. That I would decrease & You would increase. Your Will be done not mine, whether I understand it or not. In Jesus Name
gagirllive on January 30, 2017 at 7:29 am
Amen, Russell. As hard as it is to believe and accept sometimes, whatever trial we’re going through is part of God’s story for us. It is Rule #1 in Robert J. Morgan’s book, The Red Sea Rules—“Realize that God means for you to be where you are.” That often goes against our logic and reasoning, especially when the “necessary struggle” appears to be causing us more harm than good. But as you’ve pointed out, that’s where character, faith, and spiritual fortitude are built. David said it like this: “It is good that I was afflicted, that I may learn your statutes.” (Ps. 119:71) And if our Lord Jesus learned obedience through His suffering, we should not resist our opportunity to identify with Him in this way. Russell, another thing that your post brings to mind is how often we are quick to try to relieve others in their time of suffering. I think we should be very careful that we don’t get between “the hammer and the work” of what God might be doing in the life of a person. That can lead to enabling. Just like the chrysalis, the struggle is a major component to freedom and maturity. It’s hard to watch, but when we give God time, He reveals His redemptive purposes and plans for it. I believe the greatest challenge for a lot of us is thanksgiving. But it’s an absolute game changer. It keeps our mind at rest and our heart soft and tender towards God, trusting Him to make good on His promise of Romans 8: 28. To be honest, I don’t think God expects us to thank Him “for” everything we go through, but instead thank Him “in” the midst of it. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) In EVERY situation He’s still God and for that reason alone we can praise Him. Thank YOU, Russell, for this beautiful encouragement today. Grace and peace to all my fellow travelers.
Tom Felten on January 30, 2017 at 8:01 am
Russell, as I considered your inspiring words, I was reminded of this passage: “Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:6-9). Yes, God can use the tough stuff in life refine us and create a faith that’s strong and refined. May we submit to His loving, refining ways today.