Though He Slay Me

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake - Phil 1:29

Though he slay me, I will hope in him; - Job 13:15

I continue to be struck by the reality that suffering is not just allowed by God; it is often a gracious gift.

This reality is in stark contrast to every other message in the world around me. Success. Comfort. Retirement security. Health. Ease.

Are these things evil? No. In fact they can be gracious gifts from God as well. But consider the testimony of Scripture and of your own life. When does God speak most clearly? When do his children cry out most passionately? When are they most easily distracted and drawn into sin?

Consider the cross. On the surface there is no comfort, no success, no security, no health, no ease. Christ put all of that (and so much more) aside so that he could stand in our place. Ultimately, he purchased for us comfort, success, security, health and ease. But today we only have a taste of the glory that will be revealed. And, we still need pruning

So rejoice in God's blessings, but rejoice more as you suffer for the sake of Christ. Know that we are really simply unworthy servants, but we have been given worth in Christ and have been adopted into the family of God. And, rest in the reality that "this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison," (2Co 4:17)

It is a true faith which holds by the Lord's faithfulness when friends are gone, when the body is sick, when spirits are depressed, and the light of our Father's countenance is hidden. A faith which can say, in the direst trouble, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him," is heaven-born faith. - CH Spurgeon

To God Alone be the Glory