"My power is made perfect in weakness"

Last night at church was awesome. There really is something about a few people who get together with open hearts. God is able to move freely and it is just amazing to be simply sitting in His presence. It's beautiful...

As my husband began his sermon on 'suffering,' I made a face. 'Suffering' is not a topic I like to talk about. Then again, who would like to talk about it? Since we are a small group, my husband asked me why I furrowed my brow and gave him 'a look.' I said, "I get that we have to suffer sometimes, but I don't want to think about it." Everyone laughed...they probably agreed.

Simply put: My husband answered the age old question as to 'WHY'  people suffer. And the answer is this: God allows us to suffer for His glory and for His Namesake. Contrary to what some people believe, tough times don't come upon us because we sinned or did something wrong (read John 9:1). It's not ALL Satan attacking us. Maybe Satan is attacking, but it's only because God is allowing Him to do so (think Job, God allowed that).

My husband used this awesome analogy of Satan on a leash and God controlling the leash. Satan does NOT have power over God. God is in control of everything.

To be honest, the entire sermon I tried 'not listening' attentively. I really didn't want to think about suffering, but we all know it's going to happen in some way or another. Sometimes it's what grows us and brings us closer to God. But sometimes it's just to bring glory to His Name. 2 Corinthians 12:9 - Paul has some type of ailment and prays three times to God asking Him to "take it away.." God responds, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Following that, Paul writes, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

My husband closed out church with a prayer and as soon as I closed my eyes, I started complaining to God. "Ugh, God, why do we HAVE to suffer?" (so silly of me, especially because my husband JUST preached on it). I felt God say, "because then you'll know that I am real." I went from complaining, to apologizing over and over. "I'm sorry God, I get it, I'm sorry." A total 'face in palm, i'm so dumb' moment. Who was I to ever question what God does? Good thing He loves me...

Getting back to the topic..no, suffering is not fun, but sometimes it is what has to happen to bring glory to God. And that is why we are here, to bring glory to His Name. It's that simple.