Jan 21st - Would God Call You To Suffer? 1Peter 2:19
Would you agree that most of us would prefer never to suffer? Many say, "God would not want us to suffer, He is a loving God." But let's look at scripture:
For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Wait a minute God, I don't want to "suffer" for doing good, I deserve better.
Well this attitude would make it difficult for us to endure and verse 20 has a stipulation that we must have an "enduring attitude"; Why? Because Jesus already "endured". He endured suffering for you and me.
If we are going to WAJD, then we must endure hardship (as discipline), and to give glory to God in the midst of it....for it is commendable!
posted by BPC @ 7:44 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
wow dad.....ur devo writing is so in synch with wat i need to hear from day to day....so far everything u've written about i thought about at least once on the same day i read it. sweet deal.
I know this is a little late, but I originally had it posted in the RVCC forum. :D Steve said I should post here, though, so I'll do that. It's a bit long, but I think it's something that bears mentioning on this subject. (Again, sorry for being so late with this.)
This is an issue for which I have recently gained a newfound respect. I’ve wrestled with the seemingly conflicting ideas of God blessing those who follow Him and the righteous suffering in His name. If we must stow up for ourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy, then why are we seeking worldly compensation for our efforts?
I spent a long time pondering this, several years actually, until last Friday I think God opened my eyes. The conflict was not in what God said; it was in how I, a human, perceived it. I was looking at the scripture through vision clouded by worldly cares and sense of value.
In this world, money, and thus worldly possession, is the most important thing. The ungodly measure their achievement through what they have and, consequently, their suffering through what is taken away. We are raised to think like this. When we look back on the sorrows of the righteous as they are written in the Bible we either see them as inferior to our own or with think the victim to possess a fortitudinous conviction that surpasses ours. Thus, in both circumstances, we see ourselves as different cases, somehow our troubles are greater than those that our ancestors had to endure, or we lack some thing that made them especially resilient to them. More often that not, it is the latter, the most prominent of such being our saviour, Jesus Christ.
However, I would like to, if you would permit, bring to mind a few things that a Christian must understand in order to see this world and, most importantly, their walk of faith in such a way that it does not become shrouded by cares of this world. I will say … no, not I, but the Bible, has explicitly stated that Jesus was a man, as was Paul, Peter, Steven, and so forth. And as such, they were all subjected to the same problems, the same temptations, the same obstacles to their faith as we are. In fact, the very reason Jesus came down was to experience life as a man, to see what it was like to live as men did.
So, all these men suffered, as we do, and yet they prevailed in the face of the devil, in the face of temptation, depravity, and all manner of evil things. How? And see now our minds immediately run to some justification that would separate their situation from our own. It was no easier to have faith then than it is now. So what kept them going? In their affliction where they not blessed? And this comes back to the issue at hand. Where were God’s blessings through this? They had no homes; they possessed nothing but the clothes on their back; they were beaten, tortured, and belittled by all manner of men. Where were the blessings of God? I can now say with conviction and full belief that He was blessing them every minute.
Last Friday (Feb. 24) I experienced something the like of which I have never felt before. I experienced the touch of God more than I have ever felt it. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” I’m sure everyone there can attest that His presence that night resonated throughout the building, fuelled by our hearts and our faith. I know not what others felt, but I will speak for myself, that the touch that I felt, the presence of Him filling every fibre of my being, was beyond doubt the most beautiful thing I have EVER felt. At that moment I knew that I would suffer any hardship, any pain, anything to feel that touch again, and always.
And this is where we think amiss. When we think of the blessings of God, we think of worldly possessions. What has God given us? But that is not what He meant. The greatest gift of God is not worldly possessions that last for a time then fade and are forgotten, but the pure, unfettered feeling of his love. It is fulfilling beyond all else and grants, in itself, purpose. Compared to this, the sufferings of this life are merely temporary and, indeed, give rise to a certain satisfaction.
Friends, seek not God in your earthly things. The Kingdom of God is within you, not shackled to chain and metal-mesh, plastic, or wood. The things of this world will pass away, but His love will endure forever. Search after that which will give you strength to face adversity and in everything seek diligently after God.
Jedi,
James
Yes, Yes, and Amen, Jedi. You are right that we need to focus on God and less on "things". Remember, though, God is "Our Provider", in both the natural and spiritual. However, when we rest is God's provisions (including our jobs), He then can meet us in a deeper relationship of His annointing -- His presence. We often talk (and think, and believe) that God "shows up" but this is inaccurate thinking and practice. It is (we) who come to know His presence (He is always with us, the Kingdom of God is within us,(as you stated.)) It is I (we) who leave His presence. Jesus was always in the presence of His Father, He lived horizontally and (at the same time) vertically, throughout His life.
This is a great lesson for us to grasp on to. "Practicing-the-presence" of God.
Everything we do, should be done to the glory of God, our very lives are a witness and a testimony. Jedi, you encourage me in your comments and your persuit of God. I encourage you to try something: Try practicing the presence of God throughout the day...every couple of minutes acknowledge His presence (during driving, conversation, planning, doing) say a short prayer acknowledging God's presence...Jesus is ever interceeding for us before the Father, the Spirit is our counselor and comforter...acknowledge their presence...live "vertically" in your "horizontal" world, pray without ceasing, in all your ways acknowledge Him.
Yes, Jesus' love is compelling.
Jedi, also, consider reading the book by AW Tozer, Persuit of God.
"As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul panteth after thee."
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