This Is Not The End Of You

One of the words that seems to be resonating this week and especially today is the word "grace". But what is grace? Grace comes from the word "charis" and commonly we hear it translated as favor. God's favor on our lives. God's favor extended to us. We don't deserve His favor, but He gives it. However looking through Strong's Concordance there is another word that can be used. It is "benefit".

This week as I faced a tough moment, I turned to scripture. My devotional I use led me to 1 Peter 5:12. The NLT says " I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace." Other versions use the ending word "it" instead of the NLT's "grace", but either way references grace a second time.

That morning as I tried to wrap my head around what I'd do and where do you go from here, this verse illuminated for me. I rewrote it in my notes subbing in the words benefit and favor for grace.

"...My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s benefit for you. Stand firm in this favor."

Peter is writing encouragement to those in the body undergoing difficulties. He sends Silas to them. That same Silas who traveled with Paul. That same Silas who with Paul, was miraculously freed from prison as they sang hymns to God. Peter didn't just pick anyone to send encouragement, he sent a seasoned man in the faith. He also didn't say just hang in there a few more days and your troubles will be over. Instead he gave them hope that despite your troubles, God knows what He's doing. Be encouraged because what you are facing is part of your benefit. Stand in favor. You are in His will and where His will is, so is His grace.

Changing grace to benefit and favor gave me a new perspective on what I was facing. Oftentimes roadblocks can be seen as dead ends or impassible. However, God can use them to stir our faith that there's a way through instead of around. God can create a tunnel through the mountain. Similar to the Israelites and the Red Sea. God walked them through the sea rather than around it. If we could stop looking for the way around and go through, oh the possibilities. Oh the testimonies!

Difficult times challenge us to examine what we truly believe can happen. What will we dare to dream? How big is God compared to our issue? It's not always easy to tell initially and sometimes we need to take a step back and separate the emotion from the faith. Faith isn't emotion based. Yes emotions will be there, but at it's core faith exists despite our emotions. My feelings are telling me to freak out, throw in the towel, give up hope, but my faith says "Not yet!".

There's a song by Tamela Mann called "Potter". It goes:

"What you're going through, is not the end of you its the beginning now.

You are in his hands, be still and trust his plan, he'll make a way somehow.

But while you're going through, let Jesus work on you.

There's nothing else to do but be still and know.

He is God alone, He came to make you strong.

Though it hurts for a moment, let him work on you."

Looking back at 1 Peter 5:12, these lyrics fit so perfectly. What you are experiencing now is not the end. It can be a new chapter in the journey. With each trial we face we are coming into a new level of maturity and endurance. It is for our benefit and not for our destruction.

Today I'm encouraged. I am in a difficult season, but I shouldn't and I won't lose hope. I should and I will be encouraged. God is still present and very much holding on to me and He's holding on to you. If I will change my vantage point I can see how my trouble is for my benefit. His favor on me will win out and I will make it to the other side. You will make it to the other side.

Lastly, just like Peter sent Silas, maybe God is calling you to be someone's Silas. Is God dropping in your spirit to call someone, pray for them, or go help them? Don't ignore that. God is giving you a task. Go be a Silas to someone going through the fire. Go be the church!