Ezekiel 24:15-17
“GOD’s Message came to me: “Son of man, I’m about to take from you the delight of your life—a real blow, I know. But, please, no tears. Keep your grief to yourself. No public mourning. Get dressed as usual and go about your work—none of the usual funeral rituals.””
“Then this message came to me from the Lord: Son of man, with one blow I will take away your dearest treasure. Yet you must not show any sorrow at her death. Do not weep; let there be no tears. Groan silently, but let there be ne wailing at her grave. Do not uncover your head or take off your sandals. Do not perform the usual rituals of morning or accept any food brought to your by consoling friends.”
Ezekiel’s private grief is meant to picture the destruction of the temple, the people’s joy and delight. Being God’s prophet was painful and heartrending. None of them had easy lives. Suffering is part of walking with God, yet we run from it. Better to see it as a season, giving vibrancy and substance to our relationship with the Lord. If serious about knowing God, do not be surprised when it calls. God has a larger purpose on his mind then our happiness. Sometimes that purpose involves hard things, and he chooses to use us to take care of them.
Lord, help me in the suffering you call me to. Strengthen me to endure it. May I ever stay close to you, ready and willing for the next assignment.