''Suffering is part of the human condition, and it comes to us all. The key is how we react to it, either turning away from God in anger and bitterness or growing closer to Him in trust and confidence.''--Rev. Billy Graham
Suffering is only temporary for the believer and the eternal outcome is the hope that keeps them going. Even tho, suffering is not pleasant to see or experience, it does have purpose in His plan. Life is not fair or bliss filled all the time. Suffering builds our character and perseverance. Why do we think we should be exempt from suffering, when Jesus suffered for us all? As the verse above states, we can look forward to the coming day of no pain or sorrow.
''"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone... opens the door, I will come in and eat with him" (Rev 3:20). To believe, according to John's Gospel, is to receive (Jn 1:12), to receive what God has already done. His part is finished ("It is finished," he said on the cross). Our part is to receive that work and let it work itself out in and through our lives, including our tears. We offer it up to him, and he really takes it and uses it in ways so powerful that we would be flattened with wonder if we knew them now.''
Suffering is part of God's plan to show your need for Him, draw you closer to Him and let Him work through you to the hearts of others.
SO GOOD!! As I have stated before, James did not say "if we encounter various trials".....he said, "WHEN we encounter various trials". When all we have is Jesus, we will find that Jesus is all we need. So thankful for HIM! Love you, my sweet friend....T.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you have turned to God in your trials, HE really loves you. The past two years since you have been writing this blog we all have grown to know you better and I am amazed how you have embraced God's love with the challenges you encounter on a daily basis, it would be so easy to be bitter. As Billy Graham said above the key is how we react to suffering.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, Love you. Dad
Our dear friend Twylia lost her beloved mother-in-law yesterday, her son is in the hospital, and yet she is able to rejoice. Our rejoicing and our hope is in CHRIST ALONE. Thank you for the wonderful reminder of His sufficiency to meet our needs at all times. Oh, that we would always rejoice and be grateful.
ReplyDeleteThanks angie for this blog and your thoughts. have a great day!
ReplyDeletejoel
so much like Nate's talk in SS! excellent
ReplyDeletenancy h.
I heard a t.v. evangelist say that suffering is never God's will for His children, that His children are automatically entitled to healing, and that if someone doesn't believe that but instead has to "ask what God's will is" - then they shouldn't bother praying. You've got the truth here and it's sooooo important. I think people suffer even more when they buy into the lie that God's children are never meant to suffer.
ReplyDeleteWas talking with a friend the other day about how we as American Christians don't like to acknowledge suffering (specifically persecution), but it is there. And it is used by God for His glory. Why are we so quick to run from anything uncomfortable. We serve a God who uses it ALL for our good and His glory.
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