Monday, May 25, 2009
Do We Trust The Story?
This is the key question I asked of everyone yesterday in the message. Do we trust the story of suffering spelled out in scripture. Not that we go out looking for opportunities for persecution. But, are we able to handle the natural suffering that is a part of life and handle it in such a way that brings glory to God. I never thought that was the case you know. I always thought everything eventually works out and that everyone inevitably lives happily ever after. But after seven years of ministry I have found that sometimes the baby doesn't make it. Sometime the boss doesn't rise to the occasion and gets better. The boyfriend doesn't kick that heroin addiction. And the relationship doesn't bounce back. Sometimes the blessed happens and when it does we shout it from the mountain tops and praise God. But when the miraculous does not occur can we live in faith knowing God is sovereign over it all (in times of plenty and in famine; in times of certainty and times of desert wandering). Can we trust the story of the way of the cross. The story of suffering for the purpose of growth and death begetting life. Its a thought easily written but awfully hard to live.
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2 comments:
The old saying, "Time heals all wounds", comes to mind when I think of my personal suffering, because in short; time does no such thing. Most severe wounds leave a scar, limp, etc. The benefit of time is that we (as well as others) can reflect on the lesson learned from the scar or limp. After all, Jesus showed his wounds as proof of his identity when he appeared to the disciples. Our wounds (and suffering) make us into the empathetic individuals that can minister in another's time of need. I'd rather learn how to cope from someone that's coped.
The song, "I Will Praise You In This Storm" by Casting Crowns is a great song. Its so easy to praise the Lord when things are going well. However, we seem reluctant to praise Him when things aren't going OUR way. Isn't that ironic since the Lord loves us even when we're NOT going HIS way.
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