Peter says, "Don't be surprised by the fiery troubles that are coming in order to test you. don't feel as though something strange is happening to you, but be happy as you share Christ's sufferings." Peter's imagery reminds us that fiery troubles will come, and they have a purpose. Isaiah says that God "has tested you in the furnace of suffering." David says in Psalms that God tested him like silver. Peter says that we shouldn't become upset or think it's strange when we experience this fire. We are tested by fire, just as as precious metal is refined by fire.
When we go through this suffering, though, God doesn't abandon us - he strengthens us. Martin Luther says, "The gospel is a powerful Word, but it cannot do its work without trials. No one will discover its power unless he experiences it. The gospel can only show its power where there is a cross and where there is suffering."
The Catholic Church has a long tradition about suffering - one that includes the concept that one cannot truly experience God's presence unless they have suffered significantly. I understand that is one of their tests for sainthood. But nobody in this culture is likely to ask to be in pain or have difficulties - most often I hear prayers that God take them away.
So it becomes an interesting conundrum - do we pray against the pain, asking God to take it away? Or do we thank Him for it because we know we grow through His walking beside us as we go through it? What do you think?
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There are many types of pain-physical, mental, spiritual, etc. We all have experienced some form of pain in our lives. I don't feel it's wrong to ask God to take our pain away as well as thank Him for what we are going through. The struggles we go through can also affect our growth but more importantly our faith. God knows the reason for what we go through and does walk the walk with us. He feels our pain and wants to share in our joys. It is said in the bible we can ask God for anything, but that doesn't guarantee an answer, when we want the answer or the answer we want. When we ask something in prayer it is important for our request to reflect God's will not ours.
Mitch Thomas had a favorite scripture and Mitch experienced struggles in his life. He also had great faith and trust in God. Mitch knew God was walking daily with him. Maybe this scripture that was a favorite of Mitch’s says what I am trying to express.
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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