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For Those Who Suffer - February 03, 2007
"My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." -Psalm 119:50
Have you ever wondered why bad things sometimes happen to good people?
In the Bible, the Scriptures state, "Now if we are children, then we are heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)
Sometimes, people have a tendency, when reflecting upon the life of Christ, to focus solely on Jesus' gentle and loving nature-- how he called children to his side, and performed wondrous miracles. What about how the Son of God suffered when he was rejected by man, mocked, betrayed and denied by his friends, was falsely imprisoned, spat upon, beaten, and finally, crucified?
"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not." (Isaiah 53:3)
The fact is, if, as the King of King and Lord of Lords, the Son of God endured suffering during his time on earth, then we must not wonder why we, God's children, may likewise face hardships and unfairness within our lifetime. However, as the above verse suggests, the bumps along the path we face on earth are nothing compared to the glory that will later be revealed to us.
During times of adversity within my own life, such as times I may feel let down by a friend or loved one, or times an unfairness may come my way, I stand and look at a plaque I have which is a piece of wood with two long railroad spikes prominently displayed. The rusty and thick old spikes remind me of the nails which pierced Christ's flesh. I recall the pain, humiliation, sadness and other very real human feelings he endured at the hands of man, and it is not long before my own 'suffering' or 'persecution' pales by comparison.
There are times when unfortunate or unfair circumstances simply befall us. However, sometimes we create our own pains and hardships, and the suffering we endure is the result of our own life choices; our rejection of that which is good and right.
Today, ask God to help you see your life truthfully so that you may understand the nature of any hard times you may be going through. Invite God in to your heart, and ask Him to wash you clean of any transgressions, even in the form of ungodly mindsets.
There is a glory that awaits the children of God, and it is up to you to partake of it!
Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2005 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living: A Christian marriage manual and Life-guide", "Son Salutations" and "Daily Contemplations", a collection of read-one-a-day modern inspirations. For more information, visit www.MelanieSchurr.com
"My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." -Psalm 119:50
Have you ever wondered why bad things sometimes happen to good people?
In the Bible, the Scriptures state, "Now if we are children, then we are heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)
Sometimes, people have a tendency, when reflecting upon the life of Christ, to focus solely on Jesus' gentle and loving nature-- how he called children to his side, and performed wondrous miracles. What about how the Son of God suffered when he was rejected by man, mocked, betrayed and denied by his friends, was falsely imprisoned, spat upon, beaten, and finally, crucified?
"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not." (Isaiah 53:3)
The fact is, if, as the King of King and Lord of Lords, the Son of God endured suffering during his time on earth, then we must not wonder why we, God's children, may likewise face hardships and unfairness within our lifetime. However, as the above verse suggests, the bumps along the path we face on earth are nothing compared to the glory that will later be revealed to us.
During times of adversity within my own life, such as times I may feel let down by a friend or loved one, or times an unfairness may come my way, I stand and look at a plaque I have which is a piece of wood with two long railroad spikes prominently displayed. The rusty and thick old spikes remind me of the nails which pierced Christ's flesh. I recall the pain, humiliation, sadness and other very real human feelings he endured at the hands of man, and it is not long before my own 'suffering' or 'persecution' pales by comparison.
There are times when unfortunate or unfair circumstances simply befall us. However, sometimes we create our own pains and hardships, and the suffering we endure is the result of our own life choices; our rejection of that which is good and right.
Today, ask God to help you see your life truthfully so that you may understand the nature of any hard times you may be going through. Invite God in to your heart, and ask Him to wash you clean of any transgressions, even in the form of ungodly mindsets.
There is a glory that awaits the children of God, and it is up to you to partake of it!
Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2005 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living: A Christian marriage manual and Life-guide", "Son Salutations" and "Daily Contemplations", a collection of read-one-a-day modern inspirations. For more information, visit www.MelanieSchurr.com
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