Fruitful Suffering

Today's Prayer
February 25, 2006

Dear God, a dear sister in Christ has asked for prayer for the people in The Western Cape, South Africa. They are experiencing power blackouts every few minutes that last for hours at a time. There is great concern for the elderly, infants, sick who have special needs related to the electricity. Other places around the world experience problems with the large demand for energy sources, whether from electricity, gas or water. I pray for the world also. God, please give us wisdom to know how to properly manage our natural resources; give us knowledge of better ways to meet our energy needs; and keep the innocent and needy people safe in situations like they are experiencing in South Africa right now. Lord, may Your arm of protection, hand of ministry, and heart of love be with them...and with Christians everywhere. In Jesus' name, amen.

Fruitful Suffering
TGIF Today God Is First, by Os Hillman

..."It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering." - Genesis 41:52

Joseph named his second son Ephraim. Ephraim was given to him after he had been delivered from his suffering of 13 years. Joseph said that he named him this because God had made him fruitful in the land of his suffering. Ephraim means "twice fruitful."

Joseph was fruitful in two instances. He was fruitful during his time of adversity and in his prosperity. When God brings us into a time of suffering, it can be a fruitful time. It's rare for us to see the fruit during the suffering period. But know that the roots are going deep into the spiritual soil of our soul because of our pressing in to God during our time of suffering. This is producing a work in our character that cannot be seen until it finishes the process. Such was the case for Joseph.

It was not until several years after such a time of suffering that I began to see the fruit of the trials that the Lord allowed me to experience. How grateful I am to understand some of the "why" that has led to a new life in Him that I would never have had without this period.

Samson had great anointing but lacked character. We see many today who have great anointing yet lack character. But God is rising up Josephs who not only have great anointing for these days but also great character. Suffering produces character.

If you find yourself in a time of suffering, now is the time to press into God. Let your roots grow deeper. Whenever there is a famine, tree roots are forced to drive deeper into the soil to find water. These times are designed to create such a deep-rooted faith that our natures will be changed forever.