That Questionable Suffering

We delude ourselves when we try to turn our just punishments into a cross and rejoice over that for which we should rather repent. '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? (1 Peter 2:20). The cross is always in the way of righteousness. We feel the pain of the cross only when we suffer for Christ's sake by our own willing choice.

I think that there is also another kind of suffering, one that does not fall into either of the categories considered above. It comes neither from the rod nor from the cross, not being imposed as a moral corrective nor suffered as a result of our Christian life and testimony. It comes in the course of nature and arises from the many ills flesh is heir to. It visits all alike in a greater or lesser degree and would appear to have no clear spiritual significance.Its source may be fire, flood, bereavement, injuries, accidents, illness, old age, weariness or the upset conditions of the world generally.

What are we to do about this? Well, some great souls have managed to turn even these neutral afflictions to good. By prayer and self-abasement they wooed adversity to become their friend and made rough distress a teacher to instruct them in the heavenly arts. May we not emulate them?

 

 

Also Explore

Jesus secured a line of safety for us to reach God

Jesus humbled Himself to become a man, setting aside His glory, to be one of us. Because He took the punishment of sin in our place, tasting death for everyone, God crowned Him with glory and honor. That should reveal to us the great heart of God who was willing to give His only Son, but also that He honors those who

Paul’s Method of Mission, “I Make Myself a Slave to Everyone”

Paul’s attitude and philosophy of his mission work are clearly stated in this verse; he served and worked as “a servant of Christ.” A servant, doulos in Greek, was a term Paul used to indicate his self-identity as he served the Lord. A voluntary life of devotion and sacrifice for God's Kingdom was a basis of

Lent Arrives to Remind Us of True Meaning of the Cross of Jesus Christ

God's Unconditional Love Demonstrated through His Son's Cross OA churches and ministries will offer Ash Wednesday Service to commence the Lenten period of 2019. In this season, Christians enter into another profound time of the liturgical year after Christmas to meditate on the theme of Cross and Resurrection of

Learning to Listen to God

I recently had a student ask, "How can I balance my everyday life with my spiritual life?" I told her my immediate answer of: "There should be no separation." However this brought up another question that I'm sure the student meant to ask, "How can I center my life around God in my everyday?" It's a crucial question

2019 New Year Prayer for Southeast Asia

Oh Father God, after passing the eventful last year, we thank you for allowing us to greet this new year 2019. Throwing off all the old and stale things, may we be strengthened with our Father God in newness. Allow this day to be the day of joy where we start anew. In this day of history, Father God has loved us.

Events
  • 10
    Apr
    Easter Retreat 2020

    WOA Churches reflect upon the Cross of Jesus and His power of Resurrection. WOA churches and parachurches hold diverse events and programs to commemorate one of the most profound season in Christian calendar.

  • 01
    Apr
    OLI USA & Canada in St. Louis, MO

    New members from each churches in USA & Canada region will come for a Biblical training

  • 17
    Feb
    OLI Asia Pacific in Seoul, KR

    New ministers from Asia Pacific region will come together for a leadership training and planning for the mission revival in the region in 2020

Resources ⟶

World Olivet Assembly believes in equipping believers with theological and practical resources that would enable them to advance the work the gospel.

Also Explore
About world olivet

World Olivet Assembly (WOA) is a global gathering of evangelical churches and para-church organizations existing for the advancement of world mission.

resources

World Olivet Assembly believes in equipping believers with theological and practical resources that would enable them to advance the work the gospel.

COPYRIGHT © 2007-2020 WORLD OLIVET ASSEMBLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.