Dear Doves,
We all dislike suffering and want to be free of it. We
want to enjoy heaven now.
But, we are told very clearly in Scripture that we
will not be free of suffering, any more than our dear
Saviour was free of suffering, indeed, His was more
suffering than we may ever be called on to endure.
"Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against
sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh
unto you as unto children. My son, despise not thou the
chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of
him: for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth
every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God
dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the
father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement,
whereof all are partakers, then ye are as bastards, and not
sons." Hebrews 12:4-8
These are strong words and not words that we want to hear
when racked with pain and suffering, I know. But the Word
speaks only truth and we must not run away from what it
teaches. As we strive against sin and endure, as best we
can, the trials, temptations and tribulations of life,
let us remember that God sees us and knows our weaknesses
and will not allow us to be tempted above what we can
endure.
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common
to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be
tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation
also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
1 Cor. 10:13
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he
is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord
hath promised to them that love him" James 1:12
When enduring our lot of suffering, it is essential that
we draw near to God, trusting that He will hold us up with
His right hand in our times of weakness.
"My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength
of my heart, and my portion forever...But it is good for me
to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God,
that I may declare all thy works" Psalms 73:26, 28