Devotionals

Grace flourishes in suffering

by Lorraine Taylor
03/30/21
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My husband and I have recently been temporarily relocated from the East Coast to the West Coast in the USA. We both sensed this was a definite call from God due to a family member in crisis. For me, it is much like living in a foreign land, a place I am unfamiliar with and away from family/friends.

Suddenly faced with increasing financial need, renting in one of the most expensive places in the country, beyond what we can afford, Trusting God was all we could do.

It is my belief that in every season of adversity, our Lord utilizing the raw materials of suffering, and its attached emotions of frustration, irritation, and exhaustion, that you and I might draw upon Grace as a significant source. Although in these unexpected trials, we find ourselves unable, we discover a profound abiding place in our Lord's love.  

No matter what we experience, good or bad, our most essential 'need' is surrendering to Abba's loving voice. The cost of discipleship is discerning this voice and making holy choices responding to Abba's love relationally and circumstantially.    

The transformation Abba desires results from suffering and pain. My response, your response, and our collective reaction is a lifestyle of responding as Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit reveal the vision of their love within the community.  

In the pressure cookers of life, transformation occurs as we learn the art of 'letting go' of self-reliance (knowledge, beliefs, methods, ingenuity, security, comfort, friends). Simultaneously, we choose to permit the activity of the spirit of love to continue reorienting, redirecting, and renewing our minds nearer to godly image-bearers. 

The divine transformation Abba accomplishes is carried out from suffering in and through the influence of his spirit-being-love-nature imparting a galvanizing Grace.

“Let us, therefore, draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:16 ASV