The deep meaning of the Cross of Christ is that there is no suffering on earth that is not borne by God – Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
This quote in a few words sums up the essence of what I want to share with you. You see, the most common fact is there is no one living on this earth who enjoys an absolute easy life – no pain or trouble whatsoever. We know the poor go through pain every other day because of lack and in affordability🤷🏻♀️; nonetheless even the privileged ones, no matter how rich they may be, also go through that one painful thing which pins them down, some way or the other.
Having said that, even after being God’s children, we may still be suffering (in spirit, soul and body) from the day we met Christ. But during this time we should count our sufferings as light affliction which is but for a moment. That’s what St.Paul taught us through the pain he went. He lists them all in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 and calls them light affliction. During our times of pain, we must rejoice in the fact that we are suffering it all for Jesus. Yet, in this one thing most of us do often fail, being overwhelmed by the situation.
THERE ARE 5 TRUTHS ABOUT CHRISTIAN SUFFERING:
1. We have been called by Him to suffer. 1 Peter 2:21. Just as Christ suffered for us and set an example, we need to also follow His step. God has called us in His love and with that understanding we must suffer for Him.
2. This suffering has been given to us. Philippians 1:29. He has not only called us, but this suffering has been given to us on His behalf. When Jesus said My peace I give unto you, He also said, In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33. Without carrying one’s own Cross no one can call himself a Christian.
3. We have been appointed to suffer. 1 Thessalonians 3:3. Like an appointment letter is handed to someone who has passed an interview,similarly, we have been given one by the Heavenly Government. So let’s not be discouraged when sufferings come.
4. Those who desire to live godly will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12. Right from our small age we have been taught to live a god-fearing life. And to such people Word of God says, they will have to go through suffering. But don’t be afraid when you through it.
5. It is God’s will that you and I suffer. 1 Peter 3:17. When Jesus was going through the agony of death on the Cross, Scripture says, It pleased the Lord to bruise His own Son. Isaiah 53:10. On the Cross He cried …saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matthew 27:46. Even then Jesus bore it joyfully because He thought of us while hanging between heaven and earth. May God help us.
Be blessed 💕
Amen!!!
Amen. Praise the Lord! 😊😇
Amen! I wonder how many can fully agree with this great truth. As for our family we say Amen and Thank You!
Suffering is the lot of the believer that follows Jesus in complete obedience. Not because they want to suffer but because the enemy hates anyone who chooses life over death. Satan is the one causing pain, not God, even though God allows it for our training.
But suffering is not the focus. It never is. Lest any immature believer think that a life of sacrificial obedience to God is always about suffering let me tell you it is not. There are moments when it is tough, yes, BUT far more often there is boredom as we learn to wait on God and great joy as we experience Him. It is a package deal. Suffering ALL the time would blow out anybody’s tires so God allows it in measured doses so we do not succumb underneath the weight. The main focus is, and always will be, Jesus. He is our aim, our focus, our guide, our Beloved. We go through this for Him and with Him. We walk together through it.
And I like what you reminded us of, “light affliction which is but for a moment”. We phrased it like this, ‘light and momentary affliction’, which was quickly followed with “and this too shall pass.” Remembering that Jesus is our focus and trainer we know that we are called to patient endurance. When we finish a course there is rest, at least until the next round. Once we have passed through the wilderness there is even greater rest but that is something for another time. So for know everyone should know that in the wilderness suffering comes in waves which we are called to endure. Like the tide suffering ebbs and flows. We are thankful for the rest times and grit our teeth during the patient endurance times. Either way we keep walking with our Beloved.
Blessings,
Homer Les
http://www.uncompromisingfaith.ca
Amen 🙏. Glory be to God for the beautiful hope Jesus has put into your hearts😊♥️ in the midst of the sufferings that you all face!! Yes, not everyone is happy when suffering comes; but when the revelation behind that pain is clear before us, we can joyfully endure it. Thank you so much 😊💕 God bless you!
This is a hard blog to “like” because it is hard truths… And it’s not easy. I appreciate your honesty and remembrance to truths about suffering. I know it’s important and I had to remind myself today of what Oswald Chambers said …. God does not give us the overcoming life… He gives us life as we overcome.
😊 🎶though here the road be rough and steep and bitter trials may make us weep; with broken hearts and spirit fail, let our lips bear no complain; for we know that sufferings here work a weight of glory there; in our home where we shall rest on Jesus’ breast!!
These are a few lines of a song… Yes, though the road be tough, He gives grace to overcome as we go on!
Amen 💕
😊💕