"Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God."
1 Peter 4:1&2
"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...Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good."
1 Peter 4:12-16,19
It has been a couple weeks since God really broke me down in this journey of conquering my anxiety. The Lord has really been working and through it all, I have gained so much closeness with him. As I look at the verses above it not only gives me hope, but assurance that God still has me in his hands, and it is not something that I should be surprised of. Christ is refining me through his perfect fire, and suffering is a part of the christian walk. Although many do not agree. However when we look at the Bible, there are many cases of godly men and women who suffered for the sake of God. Stephen, was martyred, Paul was beaten and imprisoned, Job suffered substantially, many were starved and persecuted. The list goes on and on. Not to mention the most important suffering as all, that of Jesus Christ. Our whole lives God will be working through us and it will not always feel good. If God is surfacing, confronting, and conquering your fears/anxieties, it will not be a pleasant thing. However there is so much beauty in it! God is not a God of avoidance. He does not just remove obstacles, he completely destroys them! That takes more time, but there is a strengthening, and growth that happens when he does that. We would never learn anything from our trials or be equipped to handle the next harsh season of our life, if we never actually got over what had us in the first place.
So if you are going through something insanely hard, just know that God is in it. Cling to him, and milk your trial for all that it's worth. God will continue to work in you. Don't let a perfect suffering go to waste. The Lord wants to work it for your good, and for his purpose. So don't be afraid to feel pain, or experience unpleasant circumstances. For that is when we most clearly see God come through for us. He will come through for us. He does not delay. He provides our every need. Sometimes its just a matter of clinging to him for dear life and being patient in affliction. Just remember to be in prayer with him and be thankful for all the blessings he has given you, no matter what!!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
Philippians 4:6
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Matthew 6:24
"Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all."
Matthew 6:31&32
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