Suffering Through Life
Ξ November 13th, 2007 | → 1 Comments | ∇ Christian Living, End Times, Growing In The Lord, New Christians |
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Did you ever wonder if the suffering you have to do will end? I have thought of that many, many times. Usually, when our family is going through something that’s a health issue, it feels like it will never end. Ditto for the financial problems. Sometimes those are worse than the health problems. Health and money are the hot topics in our extended family almost every time we start talking.
Isn’t it sad that we have to talk about those negative things so much? I hate it but I still find myself doing it anyway. Of course, it does not help when the usual and customary question asked by literally everyone is “Hi, how ya doin’?”, does it? If we are not truthful, we tend to say things like “Good, and you?” or the ever popular “fine”. Sigh. But if we were actually truthful, those folks do not really want to know the real deal. They don’t want you to tell them every little ache and pain you have or what Bessie did to Tommy last night. Uh uh. They only ask that because it’s a habit, not real concern.
Now, God tells us that suffering does happen but it will end. He also makes some really great promises with that. I love those promises because He KEEPS His promises unlike most of the people in our lives. Do you know anyone who has always kept their promises? I try very hard to keep all promises I make..but it does happen when something unavoidable happens and a promise is broken. Rare but it does happen. Only God has the reputation for keeping ALL of His promises. So, isn’t it great that He gives us so many!!!
(1Peter 5:10) But the God of all grace, He calling us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, He will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
You know, most people read this and say “Yeah..and??” but I read it this morning and got a huge zing out of it. First, God says that He has all grace. Wow! Grace means that He gives us a free gift, a grace period to straighten out sort of like an insurance policy. Many policies offer a grace period when you haven’t paid yet but you still have the policy. They do not owe you the coverage but they give it to you whether you have paid them or not. God does not expect payment for your sins. Jesus already paid that price for you on the cross. He only asks that you believe that and receive Jesus into your heart.
In the next phrase of the verse, God says that He is calling us to eternal glory! Awesome. Can you feel the pull of your heart to Jesus? I do. He love us so much that He is continually calling us. Then the verse says “after you have suffered a little”. My translation says “suffered a while”. In either case, there is going to be a certain amount of suffering. It’s how you handle that suffering that tells the tale of your faith. Ouch!! That one can hurt a bit. But take heart. God is there with you during the suffering. You can see your faith grow in such times.
But, God has us on this earth to learn. We are in school and it’s not even kindergarten yet. Sigh. At least for most of us, it isn’t. Some folks have risen to the level of kindergarten and first grade but I’m guessing that would be those faith giants that are walking in the Lord so closely that you almost can no longer see them for the shine of the Lord. I strive to be in that place myself. Do not despair. You can get to that point. It is not just for preachers and pastors. God did not write this scripture just for those who are on the front lines of ministry. God wrote that for everyone!! EVERYONE! Yes, you also.
These promises are a blessing of God. It means that He is constantly watching over us. He is vitally interested in all parts of your life, little things and huge things. Have you ever asked Him which beans to buy at the store? I have. He wants to be in ALL of your life, to guide and to protect. Doesn’t it make sense to allow Him to do that? After all, He is your Creator and the One Who knows the end from the beginning. I would say that those credentials are good enough, wouldn’t you?
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