Subject: Suffering and God's providence |
Bible Note: Hi atdcross, (If I may jump in here) :-) What do you think of what Peter wrote: 1 Pet 4:19 "Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right." Peter had a lot to say about suffering. Jesus suffered, leaving us an example, that we should follow in His footsteps - suffering. (1 Peter 2) Hebrews also tells us that Jesus was made complete through suffering (Heb 2:10). Jesus learned obedience from the things which He suffered (Heb 5:8). Remember, not everything Jesus suffered was specifically required for our redemption. He needed to only die. Much of what He suffered was simply because He allowed Himself to be victimized by evil men, so that He could fulfill His primary purpose. Philippians 1:29 counts suffering for Christ's sake a priviledge. Paul, in Phil. 3:10, seeks the fellowship of Jesus' suffering: "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;" In Isaiah we are told: Is 53:10 "But the LORD was pleased To crush Him, putting Him to grief;" There is work that must be done, that can only be done through suffering. This is why James says "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials," (James 1:2). Differing kinds of trials. Some will involve suffering. Count them as joy, my brothers and sisters, for our suffering shows us that God is still working in our lives, He is not done with us. There is a great work He is doing in each of us, and the chisel sometimes hurts, but unless He removes the dross, how shall His masterpiece be revealled? Just some thoughts . . . Love in Christ, Mark |