It was cold, it was dreary, and there was almost no signs of life to be found. Winter has that effect. Everything just seems to stand still sometimes and it doesn’t really feel like anything is moving. Then I looked down and saw the green sprouts of daffodils pushing through the hard ground. Then I saw another, a group that was defying the odds of the deadness of the season. And another, only this time one brave flower that was on the cusp. It hadn’t bloomed yet, but it was almost there.
Wherever you are today, I believe you need to hear this: you are almost there. Don’t let setbacks and obstacles get in the way of what you know is good and right. Pleasing God, looking after others, or even taking care of your self is rewarding and worthwhile work. It’s hard work, because you are fighting against the odds. A broken world doesn’t leave you much room for finished projects or successful outcomes. And yet, the Holy Spirit of God empowers those who trust in Him to do redemptive work.
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” —Romans 5.3-5
Paul encourages his audience to actually see suffering as a way to welcome God into their experience. Through suffering, perseverance is produced. And that pushing forward and enduring will lead to a faith that sustains because God is in it. Our faith won’t disappoint if that faith is in God. The Holy Spirit will remind us of God’s empowering love, spurring us on with great affection to pleasing Him because we understand the width and depth of His love.
So you see, you’re almost there, Christian…when you see that your struggle is redemptive. Suffering is an invitation to welcome God into your moment, your affliction, your situation. Glory in your suffering, you’re almost there.
—Pastor Whit