The theme of suffering is never too far from discussion as you read through the NT. It is expected that as humans in a broken, sinful world we will suffer. It is expected that as followers of Jesus Christ, in a world dominated by the evil one, we will suffer. God offers us warm compassion and wonderful comfort as we go through various difficulties. More than that, God's comfort produces something positive in believers, the quality of "patient endurance" through suffering. II Corinthians 1: 3 - 6)
I think of one friend who has struggled with cancer for a long time. She is going through more treatment at the present time; but the pain has increased and it is very difficult for her to sleep. In the past she has displayed it and now she continues to develop the quality of patient endurance.
I think of a report Jan and I heard during a conversation a few months ago while we were in a different country. We were told of an area where Christians are being harassed and persecuted. The treatment they've received is painful and unfair. The woman telling us listened to what these believers had endured with shock and said something like "That is terrible."
But she told us, the believers who had witnessed and experienced the suffering were surprised by her reaction. "Why terrible?" they responded. "This is good for the church, it helps to purify and test us." And they might have added, "it has developed the quality of patient endurance in us".
We western Christians think of suffering and we think of physical or emotional pain caused by disease or relational wounds. But in other parts of the world, Christians read the NT with 1st century eyes. They know first hand what physical suffering for Jesus' sake is like. They are acquainted with abuse and persecution. God's comfort and compassion are their companions.
Their sometimes extreme suffering forces them to look beyond themselves. They experience what Paul meant when he wrote:
"In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us." II Corinthians 1:9, 10
When the suffering became too hard, writes Paul, I learned to rely on God, the One with the power to even raise the dead.
So Paul, early Christians and many 21st century Christians have "been forced" to look to God and rely on Him. We pray for those enduring persecution for Jesus' sake and for those Christians suffering simply because we live in a world marred by sin; a world of much physical, mental and emotional suffering. We pray for them; and we depend on God's grace to be sufficient when our time of suffering comes. The testimonies of Jesus' followers ring down through the centuries. His strength really is enough.
I think of one friend who has struggled with cancer for a long time. She is going through more treatment at the present time; but the pain has increased and it is very difficult for her to sleep. In the past she has displayed it and now she continues to develop the quality of patient endurance.
I think of a report Jan and I heard during a conversation a few months ago while we were in a different country. We were told of an area where Christians are being harassed and persecuted. The treatment they've received is painful and unfair. The woman telling us listened to what these believers had endured with shock and said something like "That is terrible."
But she told us, the believers who had witnessed and experienced the suffering were surprised by her reaction. "Why terrible?" they responded. "This is good for the church, it helps to purify and test us." And they might have added, "it has developed the quality of patient endurance in us".
We western Christians think of suffering and we think of physical or emotional pain caused by disease or relational wounds. But in other parts of the world, Christians read the NT with 1st century eyes. They know first hand what physical suffering for Jesus' sake is like. They are acquainted with abuse and persecution. God's comfort and compassion are their companions.
Their sometimes extreme suffering forces them to look beyond themselves. They experience what Paul meant when he wrote:
"In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us." II Corinthians 1:9, 10
When the suffering became too hard, writes Paul, I learned to rely on God, the One with the power to even raise the dead.
So Paul, early Christians and many 21st century Christians have "been forced" to look to God and rely on Him. We pray for those enduring persecution for Jesus' sake and for those Christians suffering simply because we live in a world marred by sin; a world of much physical, mental and emotional suffering. We pray for them; and we depend on God's grace to be sufficient when our time of suffering comes. The testimonies of Jesus' followers ring down through the centuries. His strength really is enough.
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