Faith Alone - May 12, 2012

Patience in Suffering

Now I rejoice in what wa suffered for you, and I fill up
in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions,
for the sake of his body, which is the church
Colossians 1:24

All Christians should know they won't be spared from suffering.  But it should be the kind of suffering that is worthy of its name.  It should really hurt us and wiegh us down, such as a serious threat to our possessions, bodies, or lives.  We should really feel it, for it wouldn't be suffering if it didn't hurt.  Moreover, we shouldn't choose our own suffering, as some people do.  It should be the kind of suffering the devil or the world sends our way.  we would want to be spared of it, if at all possible.  Then we need to hold on tight and reconcile ourselves to this suffering.  As I have said before we have to suffer so that we will become more and more like Christ.  It cannot be any different.  Everyone will face Christ's cross and suffering.

If you know this, then the suffering is easier and more bearable for you.  You can comfort yourself by saying, "Well now, if I want to be a Christian, I must wear the colors of the team.  Our dear Christ doesn't give out any other clothing for his side.  I must endure this suffering."

People who insist on choosing their own cross cannot do this.  The become upset and fight against it.  What commendable behavior that is!  Yet they criticize the way we teach about suffering as if they were the only ones ho could teach how to handle it.  Nevertheless, we still teach that none of us should choose our own suffering.  But when the cross comes, we should patiently endure it and carry it.