Stripes of Honour

Isa 53;7 and 5 Isaiah 53: 7 - He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. Isaiah 53:5 - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed 1 Cor:2;7- 8 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory....v8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory The title of this brief exultation is a play on a popular saying ..............A badge of honour......which is defined as a medal or token signifying an awarded honour or distinction; also used figuratively. Figurative language is language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation Where the question may be asked...............Is there any honour in Pain? Even Christ, when faced with the enormity of the task before him in the Garden of Gethsemane as described in Luke 22:42-44 questioned God in prayer requesting affirmation that it was indeed the Fathers will for him to endure such suffering, but an angel appeared to him.......strengthening him Our pain and our sometimes very challenging circumstances can sometimes be the very currency that God uses to purchase our freedom/ breakthrough/ regeneration (new growth)/ cleansing/ promotion/ deliverance..........the list is endless from the enemy of our soul

Positive outcomes can occur from negative reactions over a course of time/processing etc..... For example, the oft repeated example of how diamonds are created via extreme volcanic activity and even at that, they need to be refined to make them shine and have value When we go through tough times, I believe that our spiritual antennae are more sensitive as we hear God's voice more. However, this requires us to focus on God and not focus on our troubles So let us be encouraged that in whatever aspects of our lives that the enemy feels he is got the upper hand, it is only temporary until when God arises.....leaving our enemies in disarray or scattered.....Psalm 68;1

Provs20;30 Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, As do stripes the inner depths of the heart James 1;2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.... Psalm 34;19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all Romans 8;18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Isaiah 50;7 For the Lord GOD will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed