Being in God's school

.......do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.' 1 Peter 4: 12-13

New things I've learned and refreshed with this morning.......

When Christ suffered it was 'according to the will of God'- God's point of view of suffering is so different from ours. When we try to analyse our suffering from our human perspective-negative thoughts, self pity and emotions over take us. It is only through our relationship with Jesus Christ that we can understand what God is after in His dealings with us. I know with me, it would be tears, tears and more tears. Sometimes I just don't understand at the time but then somehow the puzzle slowly begins to fit in.

It's like being in God's school where we are trained for a higher calling. Being an educator, I just thought of what makes a successful student:
-listening and obeying instructions
-for new concepts to be understood or be meaningful,they need to be revised, practised or even used
-enduring long assignments and late nights of studying, changing attitudes etc.

The difference is that; earthly school is temporal-everything about it but in God's school, the lessons being learnt are for eternity!!! We are on a journey that God knows the end to. He knows our end from our beginning just like it says in Psalms 139. Along our journey in life, we will make so many plans but it is His purpose that prevails! He knows what He has designed us for. We just need to learn to TRUST and OBEY. He will come into the scene when we stand firm.

Dear Father,
You're exalted above everything else. You are a Holy God. I come today to worship and adore You. Father, You are the all knowing God-everything about me is spread out before You because You created me and there is no place I can hide from Your Presence. Thank you for Your Word. Everytime I go through difficult, painful or heartbreaking circumstances, please teach me not to be surprised or to ask 'why me.....' but help me to ask 'what lesson do you want me Daddy to learn from this?'. Lord, in our darkest hour, it's difficult to rejoice but thank you that the more we feed on Your Word and know You-peace takes over. It's such a comforting thought to know that He who sees my tomorrows from today has a much higher plan. Thank you. In Jesus Name. Amen.