Suffering

Suffering is not pleasant. I don’t want to experience it. EVER! But, unfortunately, humans cannot avoid it. When the body or mind don’t function properly, you get sick. And sickness is difficult! The only good news about our struggles to survive in this human life is found in the Holy Bible. Even God’s only Son Jesus asked the Father to “Let this cup pass from me.” Referring to His death and suffering on a Roman cross for the sins of all people for all time. But in the end, He said: “Not my will but Thine be done.” So, when we are in the midst of pain, tragedy, or betrayal, how should we handle suffering? Peter the Disciple knew Jesus best. “On this rock,” Jesus said, “I will build my church.” Jesus was referring to faith. Peter understood who Jesus IS when he witnessed His transformation on a mountain in the presence of Moses and Elijah. As God wrapped Jesus in light, a cloud covered Peter, James, and John. They heard a voice saying: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him” (Mark9:2-12). Peter knew what he was talking about when he said in 1 Peter4:12-13: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the suffering of Christ so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” Paul the Apostle wrote to the church at Corinth (2 Cor. 4:7-10) “We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our bodies the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our body.” Know that you will suffer, friend, hopefully for only a season. But if death results, Jesus will be at the door to Heaven, beckoning you to enter. Can you find solace in that while you are suffering? Pray, trust, ask and you will receive. God bless you today!