"He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."
                                               Isaiah 53:7

Suffering is a part of our walk as Christians, however, many of us have been taught to view suffering as an enemy (to avoid or disdain, etc...), rather than as a time in our lives when we are being refined and perfected. Of course, no one willingly volunteers to be a member of the suffering committee, but it's not "if", but "when" we will be called upon to become a member. Psalm 34:19 says, "Many are the afflictions (suffering, tribulations, etc..) of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all."

It is a known fact that suffering is painful at best, but according to Psalm 34:19, we can rest assured that whatever our trials may be, our Heavenly Father WILL deliver us from all of them. Given the fact that suffering is the "norm" rather than the exception, how are you responding in the midst of your affliction? Are you murmuring and complaining? Do you become angry with God and stop praying because you feel that a loving God wouldn't allow you to experience such discomfort. Have you learned to respond as Jesus did in Isaiah 53:7, and not open your mouth?

I Peter 2:21 states that Jesus is our example or pattern for how we are to live righteously. Hypogrammon is a Greek word for example used in this passage of scripture. Jesus was beaten, accused of doing wrong although He was innocent; and He was insulted, but He bore His griefs and sorrows and He patiently submitted to them. Please keep in mind that His silence didn't come from a place of weakness or prudence, but it came forth from a place of love and faith.

When we suffer as Christians, we are to endure for the sake of Christ and in conformity to His sufferings. We are also encouraged to count it all joy, because our light affliction is working for us, a far more exceeding weight of glory ~ can you believe that suffering is actually working for us? Romans 5:3 says, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." As we submit to our suffering for Christ sake, our faith muscles are being strengthened.

My sister, I challenge you today to choose to respond differently to suffering and to see suffering from a different perspective ~ count it all joy, because it is working for you. Now you may have to do this through tear dimmed eyes, but that's ok, do it anyway. I can personally attest to the fact that the lessons learned in the midst of suffering are priceless. I Peter 5:10 states, "In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen."