Perspectives

2 Corinthians 1:5-9 … 5) For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6) If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer, 7) And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. (NIV)

Time and again I question why parents sometimes feel the pain and hurt of their children; even before the children tell them of pain that they experience.  Another thought that comes to mind is whether there is anybody today that does not know what it is like to suffer? Some people actually believe that as Christians we should not have to or will not suffer if our faith is strong enough. But for me, I have found that life is not that simple. We soon learn that suffering is really part of being human.

I will admit that sometimes I have a tough time with the thought that God actually allows us Christians to experience suffering. However, when we look at our Scripture text today we find that the Apostle Paul was not immune or exempt when it came to suffering. Check me if I am wrong. There are times when you and I feel a burden, heaviness in our heart; for our children or people we know. It is like a mystery, it is beyond our understanding, but we feel it, we sense it, and we cannot explain it away.

When we accepted Christ as our Saviour we, perhaps without knowing, chose a life style that will cause us to face testing. There are those who might experience hostility from family members and former friends. The Holy Spirit remains a comfort in these times while also reminding us that God has called us to be in Christ, just as we share Christ’s suffering in the world. Christ faced a hostile group of people, and since we are to walk with Christ we cannot expect to escape hardships, and/or, suffering of some form or another. We soon realize that there is a price to pay for being a Christian. True Christianity is not without its cross.

Can it be that our suffering actually teaches us that if we will endure the testing, we will become spiritually stronger?  In other words, what do we do when we face trials? Do we just say that this is my lot in life, or do we accept our suffering and triumph over it through prayer? It has been said that trouble colours life, messes things up. But hey! We can choose the colour! I have found, and I think you would agree to that, when we have been tried and tested … gone through the fire so to say. We realize that our spiritual muscles have become stronger because of the testing and discipline which has helped us to be victorious.

There is another benefit when we have come through the fires of testing.  We have gained the power to comfort others who are going through difficult times.  The apostle Paul said that is how it worked for him … 2 Corinthians 1:4 … who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (NIV) That means when others in our circle of friends, families and church are in trouble, and they need our sympathy and encouragement, we are able to pass on to them the same type of help that we ourselves have received from God.

Scripture teaches that when we suffer it is really for our good. Kind of hard to believe and harder still to accept at times … but it is true. When we share in Christ’s suffering, the more He showers us with His mercy, His love and kindness. When we are comforted by God that also helps us, so that we can show from our experience how Christ tenderly comforted and delivered us from our troubles.

To God be the glory great things He has done:  Would you pray this prayer with me …“Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that Peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen.