Broken but not in pieces

1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 

I have been keeping a journal for years now. In fact, I use a special devotional called Streams in the Desert and I often will note the year I am reading a specific devotion which touches me. Recently I realized that so many of my notations were from 2008. I was curious to see what was going on in my life that year to have so many margin notes referencing it specifically.

One of the benefits of journaling is the ability to go back in time and remember or relive some of those precious times by reading my own words. It is also a gift to be able to see what God has done in my life over the years. It turns out, 2008 was a turning point for me spiritually. It all began in the year 2000 when I attended Renewal, a Spiritual Retreat for Women.  God began a new work in me and he used 17 other women to speak into my life.

So, when I saw that Broken was the theme for our preaching series these next four weeks, I was excited. You might wonder why anyone would anticipate a series of this type, but I have discovered over many years, it is that very brokenness that drew me to God. I didn't know it at the time when I was crying out to Him with fists raised, that His plan was in the making. That he would heal my broken heart and use me; use my testimony, to point to Him.

I have sensed God reminding me of late, to live one day at a time. When I finally dug out one of my journals from 2008, One Day at a Time was the theme. It makes sense, as I was two years into our Celebrate Recovery Program and God was doing a mighty work in me and others around me.

1 Peter 4:19 (NIV)
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 


1 Peter 4:12-19

Spiritual Eyes

Are you encouraged by your troubles? Does the pain or suffering in your life inspire you to keep moving in the same direction? When we rely on the Holy Spirit for direction and for comfort we see God's hand in our trials. When we learn to use our Spiritual Eyes we recognize God was there all along. 

Jesus was hated by the world; we are as well. We are in good company. In that respect, I feel much encouragement. I consider it a privilege to be persecuted for the sake of Jesus. Fiery trials are to be expected, and as Christians, we can be comforted by the fact that Jesus suffered also.

At the same time, I feel totally inadequate and oh, so unworthy. I believe I have written a couple times of my fears of not being up to the task. I am afraid if push comes to shove I might not be willing to claim Jesus as my Savior. I am not very brave, nor do I have a high tolerance for pain. But, I do have faith and I do pray for God to 'help my unbelief'.

1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you."

The more I think about this, the more I realize that every season we encounter is one of testing and growing faith. The year our family experienced 3 deaths within 3 weeks of each other is one of the first examples I bring to mind. This was early in my journey toward a personal relationship with Jesus. It did make me stronger because I was forced to cling to my faith as my world was shaken.

Now, the Holy Spirit's presence in my life is key. The guidance and direction I receive daily inspires me to stay close to God and soak in His Word each day.



1 Peter 4:12-19

1 Peter 4:12-19

Do you find encouragement from your troubles? Do you jump for joy when sadness enters your world? Perhaps, after the fact, I am able to feel upbeat and reassured of God's presence.  Reading further in my commentary I understand what is being said; because Jesus was hated by the world, we are as well.  We are in good company.  In that respect, I feel much encouragement.  I consider it a privilege to be persecuted for the sake of Jesus.

At the same time, I feel totally inadequate and oh, so unworthy.  I believe I have written a couple times of my fears of not being up to the task.  I am afraid if push comes to shove I might not be willing to claim Jesus as my Savior.  I am not very brave, nor do I have a high tolerance for pain.  But, I do have faith and I do pray for God to 'help my unbelief'.


1 Peter 4:12 (NIV) 
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." 


The more I think about this, the more I realize that every season we encounter is one of testing and growing my/our faith.  The year our family experienced 3 deaths within 3 weeks of each other is one of the first examples I bring to mind.  This was early in my journey toward a personal relationship with Jesus.  It did make me stronger because I was forced to cling to my faith as my world was shaken.

So, what I am hearing these verses and some others say is this, "get ready, this is just the beginning.  Just because you are a Christians doesn't exempt you from pain, persecution or repression."  Life does not suddenly become all roses and chocolate.  Actually in some respects life gets a bit tougher because we can now see more clearly, especially when we are looking with our Spiritual Eyes (as Pastor Josh says).  When our Spiritual Eyes are working we see clearly those who are hurting and those who are causing the hurt.


Do you have any examples of this?  Are there painful trials you are suffering?

Read 1 Peter 4:12-19 here

Listen to 1 Peter 4:12-19 here