Suffering: Transformation, Like All Of Us Must

We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 

Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)

When a baby is pushed from a dark womb, through an uncomfortable opening to a breathtaking opportunity… 

The process is painful for mother and child. The joy it brings replaces the anguish– with a love designed to be eternal!

When a Christian pushes through a dark world in a personal surrender to Christ, it's a lifesaving opportunity…

And the transformation process begins. The joy it brings replaces the anguish– with a love designed to be eternal!

Speaking of myself, 

When I finally surrendered to God through a brokenness I couldn't deny and became a new creation in Christ… The work of transformation surprised me. Joy came, but old Carey is tough to kill! Why? God-affirming self-denial takes time.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

You may have heard, “Nothing good comes easy.” That’s debatable, but this much I know… The paths of RISERS and SHINERS do NOT.

Your high-profile media positions put you on the enemy’s radar screen.

  • Because your life is a threat to his plan,

  • Because Satan hates the Light you carry,

  • Because stars are best seen in the darkness,

  • Because working in the dark can be hard,

  • Because the Accuser knows your weak spots,

  • Because his hits on your tender spots HURT,

  • Because disciples must become soldiers,

  • Because soldiers must build muscle and strength...

Learn to see the upside of suffering. (I’m aware that’s easier said than done.)

Like Jesus, forgive the people involved.
Like Paul, understand each trial's purpose.
Like James, count your trials as coming joy.
Like Peter, trust in the Lord’s faithfulness.
Like John, publicize the good that is done.*

Suffering: Transformation, Like All Of Us Must (Part 2)

* Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing' ' (Luke 23:34).

* Paul: 'We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body' (2 Corinthians 4:8-10).

* James: 'My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing' (James 1:2-4).

* Peter: 'Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right' (1 Peter 4:19).

* John: 'And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen' (John 21:25).

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban