Pain and suffering are God's megaphone to rouse the deaf world.
Two words prompted this entry: JET LAG.
Well, also because of the chapter I had been reading before I attempted to sleep.
Here's one very good (I think) explanation from one of my fellowship group's study:
All creation groans (Romans 8: 18-25) and we share in suffering. This comes....
A) to test our faith, so this is demonstrated/strengthened; just as a relationship can be strengthened by coming through a difficult period. (1 Peter 1:6-9 )
B) to develop our compassion for and understanding of others (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
C) to let us experience God's reality; that God's glory might be revealed, rather than we stand In the way; we must take up our cross daily (Luke 9:25-27), so that God can have his way
D) to provide a situation/place/person where God can work; suffering working along with humbling, e.g. man born blind (John 9:1-3) 'so that the work of God might be displayed in his life'
E) as a reality check when we are going wrong or off-course; God will let us know. Hebrews 12, 2-11 is a reminder that we are God's children and will be disciplined; Jesus led the way in this and has endured for our sakes.
I have always tried to refer to those Bible passages whenever I feel I am 'suffering'. Quite often I end up feeling more thankful for my 'experience' than sorry for my 'suffering'. This doesn't mean that I'm in denial of what's happening. I'm still allowed to moan, groan, or be angry. But the knowledge that God loves me and suffers with me surpasses all temporary pain. And hey, I've got to make the most of my 'suffering' to achieve the above, haven't I?
Somehow I dread to imagine how I could have got through the last year without trusting in God's provision.
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