We Are In This Together
- by: Gordy Gottfred 02/28/2009
Economic problems, unexpected sickness, family concerns, loneliness, marital strife, future. "We are the body of Christ." Help us Lord? How can I learn to deal with my sufferings when things are difficult? There are at least 2 approaches to suffering. Let me describe them: 1) I recently was building a whelping pen for our dog, when I was building I was nailing and let just say if I missed and hit my thumb I would be angry and frustrated that I hit my thumb and mad that it seems like I am suffering because of my carelessness. 2) On the other hand, let say I was driving my car down Maple Street in Marengo and as I was going, I saw a house on fire. As I was going by let's say I heard someone inside screaming for help. I turn my car around and park it and jump out and rush inside to grab a little girl trapped by a large object that prevented her from getting out. So I push through a window, grab the little girl and get her out. As I do that a fire truck and ambulance arrive and I hand her over to the firemen. As I hand her to the fireman, they say, are you alright? I say what do you mean? He looks at my arm and says you are bleeding deeply from cuts in your arm. I didn't even realize it. It's amazing to me that we can get hurt deeply and deal with it a lot better when we know the purpose of our suffering is useful.
The apostle Peter wrote to those who were suffering deeply under the corrupt leadership of Nero. He said to them, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation."
How can I handle suffering well when I don't understand? 1) Cry out to God in prayer and tell Him, you don't understand it but you want Him to be glorified through it. 2) I remind myself that suffering is a part of the Christian life. 3) I focus my attention on rejoicing in the Lord. 4) I call on others to pray and bear the burden with me.. 5) I try to understand the cause of the suffering. 6) I Commit the pain and suffering to the Lord, and ask for the grace to make it. 7) I ask the Holy Spirit to comfort you in the midst of this difficulty. Remember, Jesus purposely suffered great agony for my sin on the cross so that we might have a right relationship with God and the joy of forgiveness. If you are suffering and can't bear it please call so we can bear your burden with you.
In Christ,
Pastor Gordy
