Due time

The Bible speaks many times about the perseverance through pain and suffering. Can I say that I am not the biggest fan of this. Here is the definition of perseverance -steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
Here is was what was listed as a theology definition- continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

Key words that are difficult for me, steady and continuance. Really? Really? Who is a fan of steady and continual pain? That goes against everything in my brain. No one wants any pain at all. Especially not continual and steady pain.

Humble yourselves therefore under God's mighty right hand that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1Peter 5:6-7
What time is due time? It will be 6:00 am soon. Is that due time? Will I have humbled myself enough by six o'clock? I may not be humble by six, but I sure am going to be tired.

And the God of all grace,who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.1Peter 5:10
Again, suffered a little while? I believe my time frame and God's time frame of suffering are different. I would rather not suffer at all. It hurts too much. If I had to pick a time frame I'd probably go with no more than five minutes.

Here is the big problem, without pain there will be no restoration. Things need to die in order to bring new life. I am a BIG fan of restoration and dying to things, people, emotions,addictions, etc. That scripture says God himself will restore me. That is a promise from God. He doesn't break his promises. He is the God of all grace and he loves and cares for us. That is why we need him. I can 't do life on my own. I did try it for a while and boy did I do some tremendous damage there. I have learned that I would rather go through my pain and suffering with him, that without him. He does such a better job with my life than I could have ever even imagined. I had to humble my self before the Mighty right hand of God. It was there that I found grace.

We need to be in a continual state of grace. Grace. This is something else that is a difficult concept for me. God loves me no matter what I have done. My past is behind me and he loves me as if I have never sinned. So that must mean the grace road goes both ways. I have to have grace with others, that have triggered my pain, which I must persevere through? I feel like I am on a merry go round now. There seems to be a circle of events happening here. I also have to show myself grace. Who knew that? You mean I'm not perfect? I don't get everything right? Of course not. I am not perfect, I make mistakes. In God's grace he will honor my imperfection.

I struggle with looking at problems so hard, that I am unable to see what else is going on around it. Some days it's not even about me. Wow, not everything that happens in my life is about me, again who knew. This is why I must cling to all of God's promises for me. I must keep my focus on him and not the circumstances that are trying to get me to go into a downward spiral of doubt and fear. I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of God's love mercy and grace for me. God never promised us a life without pain. He does promise us that he will never leave or forsake us.

So, I will be patient and wait for "due time". Will it be painful? Yes.I hold on to the promise that God will bring me through to the other side, and that "due time" is coming. I will persevere until I get to the place of restoration.
I love that place!