Post by Jerod W. Rickert on Nov 27, 2007 12:08:51 GMT -5
"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2Ti_3:12)
"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps" (1Pe_2:21)
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you" (1Pe_4:12)
(emphasis added)
I thought today, as I've been going through some personal struggles, we would look at the Joy of Suffering. I say this with my tongue planted somewhat in my cheek, but I think we often look upon suffering in our lives as a defeat, or as God's displeasure. But the Scriptures are clear to us that Suffering, trials and tribulations are a part of the Believer's walk with God. They are not maybe, kinds-sorta might-happens, but guaranteed promises.
The Author and Perfector of our faith suffered many things, and promised that we would do the same. Yet time and again, we seek escape and release from the very suffering that will bring forth Victory, Joy and Peace. The refining of our soul, depends on hardship and suffering. One, so that Christ's amazing Love and Peace might be made manifest, and two, without those troubles in life, we have no basis of comparison by which to appreciate the abundant, glorious Blessing of God during the times of refreshing.
I just figured that it's good occasionally to be reminded that suffering is a normal, natural part of our Christian walk. Do not be discouraged, do not lose heart!!! Cling to the mighty hand of Christ, reaching out through the waves of life, to pull us up and out of the water. Remember the precious words of the poem Footprints In The Sand...
"My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints in the sand it was then that I carried you."
Lean today on the Everlasting Arms of Love and remember that the Christ of the Cross, the Word of God that spoke the Universe into creation, the very Redeemer of your soul, walks with you every step of the way. And when you can't go any further, and are overwhelmed, let Daddy carry you... He loves you!!!
God Bless...
"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps" (1Pe_2:21)
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you" (1Pe_4:12)
(emphasis added)
I thought today, as I've been going through some personal struggles, we would look at the Joy of Suffering. I say this with my tongue planted somewhat in my cheek, but I think we often look upon suffering in our lives as a defeat, or as God's displeasure. But the Scriptures are clear to us that Suffering, trials and tribulations are a part of the Believer's walk with God. They are not maybe, kinds-sorta might-happens, but guaranteed promises.
The Author and Perfector of our faith suffered many things, and promised that we would do the same. Yet time and again, we seek escape and release from the very suffering that will bring forth Victory, Joy and Peace. The refining of our soul, depends on hardship and suffering. One, so that Christ's amazing Love and Peace might be made manifest, and two, without those troubles in life, we have no basis of comparison by which to appreciate the abundant, glorious Blessing of God during the times of refreshing.
I just figured that it's good occasionally to be reminded that suffering is a normal, natural part of our Christian walk. Do not be discouraged, do not lose heart!!! Cling to the mighty hand of Christ, reaching out through the waves of life, to pull us up and out of the water. Remember the precious words of the poem Footprints In The Sand...
"My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints in the sand it was then that I carried you."
Lean today on the Everlasting Arms of Love and remember that the Christ of the Cross, the Word of God that spoke the Universe into creation, the very Redeemer of your soul, walks with you every step of the way. And when you can't go any further, and are overwhelmed, let Daddy carry you... He loves you!!!
God Bless...