09/08/10

Very small suffering for a great, great glory

Romans 8:18 - For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward.


Just 2 days back a brother was telling me of a Church (not part of the believer Churches) he visited which told them that if anyone of them are sick, they should consider it are part of their trial and not pray for it, but to bear it. Even the Catholic Church to some extent, when they do not get their prayer for healings answered; instead of testing their faith, they consider it trials and take pleasure in bearing it.

When the Lord tells us to bear suffering, it is not the suffering which comes from sicknesses or problems in one's personal life. God does at times bring or allow these to come, to bring correction or understanding into our lives. So these should be scrutinized into and reflected on.

The suffering which Paul is speaking about bearing is due to being a witness of the Lord Jesus Church to the world. It is the suffering which one goes through sacrificing the pleasures on this world.

It is not easy to give up the pleasures of this world and to disconnect from the ways of this world. They will come to your face again and again and at many times increased in strength day by day. It is only when we have the Truth in us that we will have the strength to follow the example which Jesus gave us in himself and be set free from the ways of this world. It is this suffering which Paul tells us to take pleasure in for the great, great glory which awaits us when Jesus Christ will come again as man.


[ Prayer Starter ]
Lord Jesus, It is very difficult to live in this world and to disconnect from the things it offers. The pleasures of this world, the pleasures of the flesh are too difficult to overcome. You showed us Lord how by having the Truth in You and by the leading of the Holy Spirit You overcame this world. Lord, You reveal the Truth to us through your Word and You have given us your Spirit by believing in You. Help us Holy Spirit and strengthen us that we may stick to the Truth and walk not in the ways of this world...

This prayer we make in Jesus' mighty Name, Amen.


[ Reference Scripture ]
Hebrew 2:9-10
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

1 Peter 2:19-23
19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)