The Iceberg

Good morning, my friend!  Good morning, Father!  

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” - James 1:2-4

Lord, we don’t like suffering for any amount of time, let alone enduring longsuffering.  Thank You that You do not take it lightly when we do.  You work in ways that our minds cannot conceive.  In our suffering, there is far more transpiring than we know. Thank You that “...we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” - Hebrews 4:14.  Jesus’ suffering was a work far greater than what was observed by the crowds.  There was far more going on under the surface that went beyond the beatings, crucifixion and death.  Much more was happening than could be grasped by their senses.  Through His suffering, He won freedom for the captives, He slay the serpent and conquered sin and death, and paid the price for the sin of all mankind, from the beginning to the end of time.

Father, I lift my friend.  They are suffering.  We rely so much on what we can see with our eyes that we come to believe that is all there is - our pain is only meaningless pain, and that it has no eternal value.  But what if there is something happening that we can’t see?  What if our pain is merely the tip of the iceberg to an amazing work You are doing deep below the surface?  “Deep calls to deep.” - Psalm 42:7.  Charles Spurgeon said it beautifully, “In proportion to your tribulations shall be your consolations! If you have shallow sorrows, you shall receive shallow graces; but if you have deep afflictions, you shall obtain the deeper proof of the faithfulness of God!”

Father, encourage them to believe that You are not allowing them to suffer one second longer than absolutely necessary.  Strengthen their faith to believe that they WILL realize something of eternal and priceless value as a result of their suffering, if they but trust You in it.  Father, we ask You to lift their pain, and help them to be patient until You do.  Do Your work below the surface of their suffering, for their blessing and Your honor.  And in the meanwhile, may they find comfort and sweet consolation with You in the secret place.  In Jesus Name ❤️

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