Blessed Suffering

I know, those words don't seem right being paired together. It seems strange to see those two linked together, but if you are in Christ, it is more strange if they are not.

Recently, I have had the joy of seeing a picture of this at our dinner table. As parents to 6 littles, we try our hardest to lead and shape our children in the ways of the Lord. With that, we try hard to feed our children good food, lots of fruits and vegetables. No matter how hard we try, we do fail. However, unfortunately for my son, we have a good diet of squash and zucchini, two vegetables which he does not particularly like. We have recommended that he eat the two together, or with the meat that is provided. No matter what, he has to eat it, because it is for the good of his health and body. As he chews, I promise, it sure does look like expressions of suffering.

Now, I shared that to prove a point. You see, whether we admit it or not, even the conservative church is plagued with a world view of the prosperity gospel. You see it everywhere, on t-shirts, framed art work, blared on the christian raido stations, mostly centered around a particular verse: Jeremiah 29:11 which says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not evil, to give you a future and a hope." (ESV) What is left out is this is written to a nation that is suffering in exile. It is sad, we take Scripture, fold it up, twist it around, and justify our selfish pleasures. I admit, I stand guilty. Nevertheless, we are plagued with this idea that suffering is a result of sin, that it means God has abandoned us, that we are not in the center of God's will, when in reality, biblically, it is the polar opposite. For the Christian, you CANNOT divorce blessing and suffering. Let me explain.

If you ask most Christians, do you like to suffer, they would say emphatically: NO! Of course not, who in their right mind would like to suffer, and when we think of suffering, let us look at the verses listed in the last blog from Hebrews 11 and surely we will say no.

Now ask most Christians, would you like to be conformed to Christ? They would say, YES, of course! After all, that is the charge from Scripture.
"And we know that for those that love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He forknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the first born among many brothers." Romans 8:28-29 ESV

So, what about suffering? Well, if we are going to be like Christ, then we will suffer.
Writing from a dungeon, the Apostle Paul says that knowing Christ is the greatest of all treasures and that EVERYTHING else is but dung, in Philippians 3:10, he says this:
"that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death." (ESV)

Peter, writing to exiled Christians, who have fled and even seen their brothers and sisters killed for their faith, he writes this in way of encouragement:
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you but rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV)

So, the reality, the correct worldview for the Christian should involve suffering. Not just a suffering that is momentary, but a lifetime of suffering. It is true, the suffering will be in various forms and last certain lengths, but if we are truly in Christ, then suffering marks our path. I shared a few of the many Scriptures that support this. I recommend you take the time to search the Scriptures for yourself. I will say, this is foreign to us, and even scares us, because deep down, we like the idea of the prosperity gospel.

What we miss is that many times, God purposes these sufferings to bless not only us, but those around us. Perhaps, so that we may minister later in the area we are currently suffering. Perhaps that others may come beside us, being moved by the Holy Spirit, to comfort us, to help us, no matter what, He always allows this to bring glory to Himself, for that alone, we should find comfort!

My family and I have been on both sides. Though our "suffering" fails in comparison to what many of our brothers and sisters face daily, nevertheless, we are thankful that we have suffered, needed this encouragement, and we have been called to comfort others in their time of suffering.

Here is the danger, if everything were to be great in our lives, then we would never be molded, shaped, and conformed into the image of Christ. Instead, we would simply puff out our chests and say we are fine. Life is grand and there would be no room for taking up our cross.

Now, there is good news and great hope in the midst of our sufferings. Again, there are many to explain this truth, I will list four (in no particular order).
1) The Lord has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Joshua 1:5
2)He promised to finish the work He began in us. Philippians 1:6
3)He promised that all that passes in our lives is for our good and in the midst of that, nothing can seperate us from His love. Romans 8:28-39
4)He has promised to "keep" us from stumbling and even presents us blameless to the Father. Jude 24-25.

So, if you are reading this, and you are not "in Christ", I beg you to fall at the mercy of Christ. Read the Bible, seek Him while you have breath and beg Him to save you. If you are in Christ, I charge you to not to forget these truths. Find comfort in the midst of your struggle, knowing He is conforming you, drawing you closer to Him, He won't leave you or forsake you, He will lead you through it, He presents you blameless, He keeps you because nothing, absolutely nothing can seperate you from His love! Fall into the ever loving arms of Christ and praise Him!!!

Soli Deo Gloria