The Lord God is faithful and compassionate. He does not rejoice when one of His children suffers. As much as we think we are the ones being patient through our sufferings, it is He who is being patient. He gives us trials so that we may show Him that we have faith. Trials produce a character that is refined, pleasing to God. It is not presumptuous to say that if you, as a child of God, are experiencing turmoil, temptation, doubt, persecution, or a drought, then God has got a particular lesson in mind that He is teaching you through your circumstances. He may want to reveal to you one smidgen of His character, or He may be putting you through the flames to burn away what does not please Him. Whatever the reason, be sure that God is not a stranger to what is happening to you. "Why me, oh God?" I catch myself saying all too often. Why not me? I should be overwhelmed, kissing the feet of Jesus, thanking Him with the greatest sincerity for the opportunity to be changed, from glory to glory, into His image. (2 Cor 3:18-- 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.... NASU)
This process of sanctification is NEVER easy... it means getting our toes stepped on, our hairs singed. I hope that one day what I am will not be able to be compared to what I was. Do you desire this change in yourself? If so, take the trials as an opportunity to wash the feet of Jesus with your tears, to wipe His feet with your hair. There is pain along the journey, but remember that just as much as you think you are being patient, God is being patient towards you just the same. Times infinity.
2 Peter 3:9
9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
NASU
