“The kingdom of God is not about escaping suffering. The kingdom of God is about coming into deep, abiding communion with Jesus Christ and being transformed into His likeness, even through suffering. . . . I believe victory reflects God’s power back to Him, not our perfectly followed formula. . . . If we could bottle the resolution ourselves, we’d try to sell it and steal the glory for ourselves.”- Summer Joy Gross
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”- Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)
Summer Joy Gross concludes Chapter 16 of The Emmanuel Promise as she underscores that Jesus, the Son of God, put on human flesh and suffered along with us. Yet, Summer likens our suffering to a well-digging drill. Because through suffering we find deeper waters, new waters. And still waters.
Most significantly, Summer notes, think of saints you’ve seen who radiate joy. Who possess a trust in God that registers as stillness. Most likely that person has experienced deep suffering. While the scars on their bodies tell their story, their souls look a whole lot like Jesus.
And as the storm ravaged them, they clung to the hand of Jesus. Above all, when they walked out on the other side, they were still clinging to Jesus’ hand.
In conclusion, Summer stresses, the operative word in Isaiah 43:2 is when. When you suffer. But Jesus answers, “I will be with you.”
Therefore, the author encourages:
“The question is, Jesus, would You show me a picture of how You desire to be with me in the midst of my present suffering? . . . When we’re going through waves of grief or physical pain, we need muscle memory to walk with the One who is always walking with us. Breath prayer helps to build the spiritual muscle to do just that.”
Today’s question: What most helps you come into deep, abiding communion with Jesus? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Intentional silence – scary?”
