Those of you who are struggling now, those who are hurting now, those who are suffering now, do not be afraid. The Lord is doing great work within you and for you. So much so that, at this time, you do not even know the depth and intricate work He is accomplishing. It is your time to be changed. It is His will for you to become more like Him. To be fashioned into His image. He is doing great and ingenious work for you.
Yes, it hurts and is very painful and confusing at times. But the spiritual and eternal blessings from it are far greater than you can imagine. The goodness and graciousness of the Lord are crafting and shaping you into the beautiful image and character of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
Put away from you all sinful ways of this world and firmly place yourself and your focus on His path. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus no matter what may come. He is putting boundaries, barriers, and protection on both the right and left that will keep you going in the right direction. He will prosper, provide, and build you up to do the very work He has prepared for you to do. You can count on that because you can count on Him.
He will keep, protect, and hold you in every way. He restricts the amount of suffering you will have to endure so it will not break you. But it will strengthen your resolve to serve Him to finish your assignment. To increase your faith to serve the Lord your God with complete determination to the work ahead.
Remember that the Lord holds you in the palm of His hand and will not let you go. Look up and stare intently into His face, trusting Him wholeheartedly with all confidence and complete assurance that God knows what He is doing. He will not fail or falter. He will accomplish everything according to His will. Period.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God, and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. 1 Peter 4:12-19
The Soul Sower 