Perserverence Through Longsuffering

We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

In our modern society, it is difficult to digest the concept of longsuffering. When we find ourselves in a thorny situation, we often resign to our challenge and wait for the end to come. And if we do suffer, our confrontations are often short lived. How many of us have had to suffer for years . . . or most of our lives?

Joseph did. And he could have easily given in to his inevitably horrible situation. Sold by his brothers, taken to a foreign land, accused wrongly by his master's wife, put in prison--yet Joseph refused to give up. Instead, he interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, became a ruling official, and saved the lives of many during the years of famine . . . including the brothers who betrayed him.

Joseph patiently served God, making the most of his situation while exhibiting the sweetness of long-suffering. He had no way of knowing what God had in store for him in the midst of his pain. The emotions he experienced reuniting with his father and saving his family from famine gave him great joy--erasing the years of sorrow. Like Joseph, we need to rest in God's purpose and plan when faced with trials.

Here are six questions to ask overselves when we suffer, and what to do if the answer is "yes":

Question:             Am I being punished by God for sin?
Our Response:   Confess known sin.

Question:              Is Satan attacking me as I try to survive as a Christian?
Our Response:    Call on God for strength.

Question:              Am I being prepared for a special service, learning to be
                                 compassionate to those who suffer?
Our Response:    Resist self-pity. Ask God to open doors of opportunity and help
                                  you discover others who suffer as you do.

Question:              Am I specifically selected for testing, like Job?
Our Response:    Accept help from the body of believers. Trust God to work His
                                  purpose through you.

Question:              Is my suffering a result of natural consequences for which I am
                                  not directly responsible?
Our Response:    Recognize that in a sinful world, both good and bad people will
                                  suffer. But the good person has a promise from God that his or her
                                  suffering will one day come to an end.

Question:              Is my suffering due to some unknown reason?
Our Response:    Don't draw inward from the pain. Proclaim your faith in God,
                                  know that He cares, and wait patiently for His aid.

If a bird is flying for pleasure, it flies with the wind; but if it meets danger, it turns and faces the wind in order that it may fly higher. Corrie Ten Boom

Joseph, King of Dreams, can be viewed HERE

Recommended Reading Genesis 42-44

From Today's Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah

Always Hope