Suffering, A Pathway to Holiness

Upon the mountain we seek,

Divine peace and comfortable rest.

But, in the valley we must dwell,

Where flood and storm keep.

Nothing will save us from the test.

Through swirling clouds and slanted rain,

We must walk.

Appearing in the fright of lightning, He came.

Our Savior walking by our side.

“Suffer with me.” He gently said.

“The raging wind weakens your pride.

The stinging rain carves away your selfishness.

Helpless in the flood waters,

Faith is fed.

Rage not against the manna, I send.

My body broken for you.

My blood spilled for your rescue.

Although, the storm you must endure,

My presence there you will enjoy.”

Tip #3 Examine expectations.

Examining our expectations of life reveals why we become anxious in certain situations. If we’ve been deeply hurt by important people in our past, we may have deep anxiety in similar situations. This means we must evaluate the situation for truth. Am I anxious because of my past? What am I responsible for? Is someone truly behaving badly? Or am I expecting to be treated badly?

Understanding our propensity to project our insecurities on to others will reduce our anxiety, when we take responsibility for our insecurities and weaknesses. We may not immediately feel relief from taking responsibility, but if are truly practicing self-care, we will be honest about our insecurities and weaknesses. The more we try to hide them, the more anxious we feel. Although, everyone has them, anxiety tells us, we should feel ashamed because we shouldn’t feel the way we feel.

Release the shame of having insecurities and weaknesses.

Embrace the truth that they do not make you a bad person. These are the very areas that God wants to use to show Himself strong in you.

Example… My biggest insecurity is that I am not lovable. Therefore, I expect people to reject me. I consciously take responsibility for this. I grieve the loss of what happened to me that created this insecurity. I allow God to reveal His strength in this area of my heart. I take hold of the truth,

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” Romans 5:8

If I believe this and I put my faith in this truth, then I am saved from not only my insecurity but eternally.

If a holy God, who can not look on sin, can love me, then I can accept that others can love me too.

Therefore, I am able to be loved.

If you would like help with this tip, please contact me. I look forward to helping you apply God’s Word to your life.