PERSPECTIVE ON SUFFERING
I've been walking with my mother in law for the last few months. Seems that we always have interesting conversations and exchanges of thoughts and ideas. Very refreshing.
One day last week we were talking about pain. What we believe in regards to suffering and it's relation to the gospel of Jesus Christ. For myself, growing up, I cannot really recall too many conversations or ideas that were ever spoken of in regards to suffering. I do remember hearing a lot about prosperity, provision, protection, perseverance, purity and holiness, and the importance of obedience and enduring whatever comes, but for some reason pain and suffering seemed more like it was always related to the dark side or a curse.
I clearly recall my Mother calling on the name of Jesus when she was overwhelmed, when the difficulties were just too much to bear. I remember the Lord answering our prayers multiple times and it not always make complete sense while we waited for the answers to come. As a family, somehow through suffering we learned God's limitless love. He never abandoned us. He delivered us. He fortified what was falling apart through difficulty, discomfort, and heartache. We lived to tell about it.
Look back in the scriptures and read about Paul being shipwrecked so many times. Beaten within an inch of his life. Abraham not knowing where he was going, but he went in obedience to the One who called him to ''Go." Joseph imprisoned for not being liked or utterly despised by his brothers for a time. Daniel for praying when he was told not to pray, being thrown to the lions. Naomi losing her husband and sons. Job losing his entire family and possessions. Hosea having to put up with an unfaithful harlot for a wife, yet he still loved and desired her. David's life being threatened by his father in law. Hezekiah turning his face to the wall and begging for more time to live. I'm sure we could go on and on and list the sincere sufferings, doubts, and fears of all those that have gone before us... but wouldn't it be good to start looking at suffering from a Biblical perspective?
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; Philippians 3:10
By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, II Corinthians 6:6
And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. II Corinthians 1:7
One day last week we were talking about pain. What we believe in regards to suffering and it's relation to the gospel of Jesus Christ. For myself, growing up, I cannot really recall too many conversations or ideas that were ever spoken of in regards to suffering. I do remember hearing a lot about prosperity, provision, protection, perseverance, purity and holiness, and the importance of obedience and enduring whatever comes, but for some reason pain and suffering seemed more like it was always related to the dark side or a curse.
I clearly recall my Mother calling on the name of Jesus when she was overwhelmed, when the difficulties were just too much to bear. I remember the Lord answering our prayers multiple times and it not always make complete sense while we waited for the answers to come. As a family, somehow through suffering we learned God's limitless love. He never abandoned us. He delivered us. He fortified what was falling apart through difficulty, discomfort, and heartache. We lived to tell about it.
Look back in the scriptures and read about Paul being shipwrecked so many times. Beaten within an inch of his life. Abraham not knowing where he was going, but he went in obedience to the One who called him to ''Go." Joseph imprisoned for not being liked or utterly despised by his brothers for a time. Daniel for praying when he was told not to pray, being thrown to the lions. Naomi losing her husband and sons. Job losing his entire family and possessions. Hosea having to put up with an unfaithful harlot for a wife, yet he still loved and desired her. David's life being threatened by his father in law. Hezekiah turning his face to the wall and begging for more time to live. I'm sure we could go on and on and list the sincere sufferings, doubts, and fears of all those that have gone before us... but wouldn't it be good to start looking at suffering from a Biblical perspective?
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; Philippians 3:10
By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, II Corinthians 6:6
And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. II Corinthians 1:7
Comments
John 10:10- The devil comes to kill steal and destroy, but I (Jesus) has come to provide for us life and life more abundantly.
May, I ask, what is it about life abundantly that includes suffering.
Being humble before God, does not mean we have to be broken and suffering. Being humble means we know our position. God is God and we are his beloved children. As BELOVED children, He did not spare his only son but Jesus died on the cross for everyone.
Lets not limit his sacrifice to when we die and reach the by and by. His Sacrifice is for heaven even now on Earth. I pray you see the God of our Salvation and Redeemer. I pray you see God as the Good God always. There is no room for God the Savior and God the Provider of Suffering.
Does He allow suffering or do we call it in? I think our words according to proverbs provide for death or life. I believe God is a GOOD God, not just when I feel like it.
Best,
Anonymous, Saved One