Key scripture- “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” (1 Peter 4:1, ESV).

When was the last time the consequences of sin, with all its guilt and shame and disappointment, rained down on you? When was the last time you laid prostrate before God and said, in so many words, “Whatever you have to do, Lord, take it away. Change me. Purify me. Make me want You, more than I’ve ever wanted my sin.” When was the last time you fervently promised and prayed for those things? “Lord, I want to do better. I’ve got to do better.”

Pastor, James McDonald says that those are the kinds of moments when you’re ready for a battle plan–when you’re desperate enough to “arm yourselves” with the mindset of a warrior; the pivotal points in life when all you want is to be over and done with your sin–“ceased” from it–whatever the cost to your personal preferences.

So those are the moments to let the inevitably of suffering do its work . . . because what could be worse than dealing with whatever adversities you’re experiencing right now (or are sure to experience in the future), only to come out on the other side without cooperating with God’s accomplishment of His purposes. Chief amongst His purposes for your suffering (and mine) is a change in your behavior (and mine), “for whoever has suffered . . . has ceased from sin.”

Isn’t that what we want?

Some people, obviously, become even more sinful as a result of life’s difficulties. They feel as if God has let them down, therefore, they no longer believe they owe God the honor and gratitude that leads to surrender and obedience. But suffering, when received well, is able, like few other things, to restrain you from sin in the future.

Suffering clarifies your sense of eternity, for example, it helps you focus on more significant and lasting priorities, making you want to live the rest of your life “no longer for human passions but for the will of God” (1 Peter 4:2). It widens your range of experience, enabling you to learn from firsthand knowledge that a moment of pleasure is never worth a lifetime of misery. Furthermore, ultimately, it heightens the reality of coming judgment, recognizing that the day is approaching when we all must “give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” (1 Peter 4:5). We also realize that even though we are freely forgiven by His grace, none of us want to live another day in rebellion against our Redeemer, because we realize how soon we will be standing, face to face, in His presence.

The primary purpose of suffering is not to make more Christians but to make better ones. Better men. Better women. A better you and a better me. However, when others see you faithfully, patiently, prayerfully–even joyfully–enduring hard times, the Lord will use the testimony of your example to influence them toward new or deepened belief in Him. He may indeed reach others through us, but we are the ones–when we suffer–that He’s wanting to reach the most deeply.

Are your ready to see some changes in your Christian lifestyle and loyalty? Then do not discount what God is working to grow within you as you go through the valley.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, I am weary today because of my sin, frustrated by my too-often failure to resist temptation. I thank You for not leaving me here to struggle alone, even when I am in an extremely tight place, those are places that You have allowed because You know that it will open my eyes to what I’ve been doing. I want to serve and love You well, in humble gratitude, in selfless allegiance. I want to abide in Jesus and in order to do that I need to obey, observe, follow, and uphold Your Word, therefore, I come before You and I commit all my ways to You as I trust in You. Father, make my righteous reward shine like the dawn and my justice like the noon day sun. Thank You Father for always loving me, protecting me, and never forsaking me. Help me to learn through suffering to guard my behavior, and always honor my Savior, Jesus Christ, in Whose Name, I pray, Amen.