Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Topic of the Day -- Suffering


I don't know anyone who likes to suffer. I certainly don't. But because God created us and because from time to time pain and suffering is part of our life I figure there's a purpose for it. In fact, I can come up with a long list of reasons fairly quickly.

However, several days ago while sitting with my mother after she'd had open heart surgery I couldn't think of one. All I wanted was to release my mom from the agony. Instead, I sat beside her holding her hand feeling helpless. That night I cried myself to sleep.

But God's Word says, "Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character and character, hope."

Mom is better. I thank God.

As to pain, well it will continue to be part of life. Physical pain protects us from injury. Our lives would be short if we never felt the weaknesses in our body. Suffering is a teacher. Travails of the soul draw us closer to God where He waits to catch us and pull us into his embrace.

Though I sometimes rail against it, I cannot deny that pain is good. I am grateful for it.

Praise God in all things.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

2 comments:

  1. I'm so glad to hear your mom's surgery went well, Praise God!

    It is hard to praise him in the storms, but in my opinion that is the test of a maturing Christian, being able to praise him even when it hurts.

    For me, I never would have learned nearly as much if I had not experienced pain. The heartache of losing my father brought a closeness to Christ that I otherwise I might have never known.

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  2. TC, thank you for writing. It's in the middle of the storm that I feel The Father's presence most. Although that doesn't mean I like storms. I'm looking forward to some sunny skies and rest.

    I'm sorry about your father and thankful for your bond with Christ.

    May He bless you.

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