Suffering...

Right now in your life are you suffering? I know so many different situations where suffering is taking place this very instance. Families being torn apart, the pain of losing someone, addictions, and or just the feeling of being lost. There's so many things out in this world that cause us to suffer. And of course, no one likes to suffer. And in those tough times, we mostly ask the question, "why?"
Today in church, pastor preached on " The Call of Suffering." I just wanted to share a few things I took from the sermon. I comes from the text 1Peter 15. 12-19. It starts off by telling us christians, don't think it's strange that your suffering, but rejoice. You're thinking yeah right, rejoice, how can I do that during a time like this. But we must remember that God allowed this to happen. He's using this suffering to cleanse and refine us. And when you are out, you will look back and say WOW, God I've never felt you like that. THANK YOU!! And when you rejoice like scripture says, that doesn't mean the pain just goes away. That rejoicing is rejoicing for the fact that God is on your side. By rejoicing with God, that show's him how much faith you have. And that pleases God!!!!
Now, I know this is so much easier to say when you're not going through this. I right now am not suffering. However, I know a day will come when suffering and trials come into my life. When that time comes, I want to get it right. It will be painful and tears will be shed but at that time I cry out, God will be there holding my hand. And my pray is that during that time, He is glorified!!!!!!