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Written by Aaron Sparks
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Sunday, 26 July 2009 10:38 |
As you go through life, there will be times of great difficulty. It may be a split in a relationship, or a death in the family. It may be a difficult situation at work or at home. You might have had some unexpected tragedy catch you off guard.
The way of life is, we will all suffer in our life at some point in time. The good news that in spite of bad things happening to us in our lifetime, God uses those moments to help us grow spiritually. The other good news is we can read about people in the bible that went through difficult times, but trusted in God and were rewarded for their faith.
Take a moment to think of people in the Old and New testament who had to go through some difficult trials. What names come to mind? Take the time to read those stories and really think about what lessons are being taught in them. How do you think it would have felt to go through something similar? What was the eventual outcome?
The thing that some people tend to avoid talking about in Christianity is that when Christ is calling us to carry our cross and walk with him. I mean we talk about it, but we never really pause very long and dwell on what exactly he is calling us to do in life. He never promised us health, wealth or ongoing happiness in this life. If anything, he promised us practically the opposite...
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” -John 15:18-19
There are many more verses I’d like to direct you towards, but please do yourself a favor and look them up yourself. One more verse about suffering offers this...
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed...So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” -1Pet. 4:12-13, 19
Monday night of camp, the speaker (who I can’t remember his name) talked about Carpe Diem, in all situations we find ourselves in... we are called to rejoice and seek the lessons God is teaching us in those times. In all situations praise God, give thanks and give God the glory for everything we encounter in this life. |
