Monday, September 30, 2013

Suffering

Revelation 21:4



   ''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.