Elisabeth Elliot wrote: "When the way to the house of the Lord leads through the "Valley of the Shadow," we accept those terms, too. If we suffer loss, scorn, misunderstanding, false accusation, or any other form of trouble, it is what we agreed on to begin with. Compared with the rewards promised, it is nothing; so let us not take umbrage. Let us be quite clear and matter-of-fact about it: "In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer [cheer up!] I have overcome the world" (Jn 16:33)."
I have a "fortune" from a fortune cookie that reads, "Acceptance is the key to happiness." As a Christian, it is my duty and my privilege to accept what God allows in my life, because He uses all the circumstances in which I find myself to grow me, and teach me and mold me into the person He created me to be. I often do not like the circumstances in which I find myself. In fact, I often take umbrage at them. But that is not the way of the cross. Jesus humbly submitted to heinous acts committed against Him. He did nothing to deserve them. He knew there was a purpose for His suffering. There is a purpose for our own suffering, as well. We may not have the clear vision that Christ had, a knowing that our suffering is going to produce a specific thing, but we can trust that God has a purpose for our circumstances. James wrote that we should be joyful when difficult times come our way because we know that it is through those difficult times that God builds character into our lives as we learn to trust in Him.
And there is the key: trusting in Him.
I do not have to be in control of my circumstances. I do not have to know the exact purpose toward which God is working. I know that, in general, He is building me into a woman who trusts in His providence, His sovereignty. His grace is sufficient for every circumstance. That is all I need to know.
I have a "fortune" from a fortune cookie that reads, "Acceptance is the key to happiness." As a Christian, it is my duty and my privilege to accept what God allows in my life, because He uses all the circumstances in which I find myself to grow me, and teach me and mold me into the person He created me to be. I often do not like the circumstances in which I find myself. In fact, I often take umbrage at them. But that is not the way of the cross. Jesus humbly submitted to heinous acts committed against Him. He did nothing to deserve them. He knew there was a purpose for His suffering. There is a purpose for our own suffering, as well. We may not have the clear vision that Christ had, a knowing that our suffering is going to produce a specific thing, but we can trust that God has a purpose for our circumstances. James wrote that we should be joyful when difficult times come our way because we know that it is through those difficult times that God builds character into our lives as we learn to trust in Him.
And there is the key: trusting in Him.
I do not have to be in control of my circumstances. I do not have to know the exact purpose toward which God is working. I know that, in general, He is building me into a woman who trusts in His providence, His sovereignty. His grace is sufficient for every circumstance. That is all I need to know.
