The Lord has been speaking to me about my suffering and the plans He has for me. He has been showing me that even my suffering is for my benefit somehow, and all the pain and anguish I have been through are still part of the good plans He has for me. I have talked about the above Scripture before and the suffering Hezekiah endured and how He cried out to God. I understand his heart and the anguish he suffered described in Isaiah chapter 38. In His great love, God kept me from the pit of destruction and let me live too! In His grace and mercy, He has put all my sins behind His back!
The Lord spoke Isaiah 38:17 to my heart along with Jeremiah 29:11 this morning. He wanted me to see the connection and remember both verses together at the same time. Why? Because He wants me to trust in the plans He has for me, even when those plans require anguish and suffering. He wants me to trust that even my suffering is beneficial. When you follow Jesus, He makes beauty from ashes in every area of your life and nothing is wasted.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
We have to trust that even the suffering we endure as part of God’s plan will somehow prosper us and not harm us. Somehow His plans will always bring hope and a future. Yes, when we follow Jesus, even our suffering is for our benefit. We might get angry and we might not understand, but He will see us through. All we have to do is trust Him and keep walking by faith. Easier said then done, but with God nothing is impossible and He holds our hearts. Whatever troubles you are facing today, remember, if you know Jesus, then He is working on your behalf for your benefit!
May His will be done today and every day!
Grace and peace to you all!
Ryan Callahan's Blog 
Amen, Ryan, Jesus is with us. Thank you for showing that every day! Proverbs 3 : 3-6 Our Lord gives us his love and comfort always.
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Amen Mom, Proverbs is great. Love ya!
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May you persevere with God’s love Ryan.
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Thank you sir! God bless you
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A moving post, written from a place of humility and grace, Ryan. Nice visuals, too! I really like it when someone (in this case, it’s you) pairs two verses from different books of the Bible that work together to form another message. I think often of your illness and lift a prayer for your health, your marriage, your spirit, and your ministry. You are a joy to read! Ward
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Thank you for the encouragement sir! Thank you for your prayers too! All glory to God, God bless you!
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Amen. Great share.
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Thank you sister, God bless!
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We know that suffering is redemptive, but while we are going through it it is hard to wait and trust in God’s timing. I am so glad He is speaking to you!
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Amen Valerie, God bless!
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So true… suffering is so difficult when we are in the middle of it and cannot see God’s purpose. Thanks for the reminder to trust God. Indeed, nothing is impossible with God. Thanks for modeling the way and encouraging me in the middle of a difficult week.
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Thank you, I appreciate your encouragement as well! God bless you!
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Good word Ryan! Suffering as a child for our benefit is a hard concept. I find it even harder when it is happening to someone I love. But, God knows how he made us and that we are made to bend and not break. Keep up the great work brother.
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Amen brother! Thanks for the encouragement!
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God bless you, dear brother! You’re a blessing to all of us.
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Thank you Maria! I appreciate the encouragement. God bless you!
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Thank you, Ryan!
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Yep – so true!
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I appreciate the encouragement brother!
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