Is Christian Life Full Of Suffering? - Raising Zion
Christian life is full of suffering. If it isn’t then you aren’t living the christian life. How does Paul, the apostle, talk about suffering? Despite the trials he goes through, his hope in God is awesome.
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body… For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10, 15-17)
A mother goes through much suffering raising a child in the initial years, does she complain? No. She enjoys the child and the process no matter how hard it is. Love makes it possible.
Full of suffering of a different kind
Jesus said you have enough evil for each day (Matthew 6:34). What does it mean? The evil of worry. The love of money is enslaving man. Brands of every kind are emotionally drawing the simple public into a materialistic lifestyle. Where every effort is focused on stirring man’s carnal desires, even drawing believers into older ways. Eventually falling away from the faith.
Jesus is not a prescription drug. He is life and blood flowing through our veins. Until we do not recognise the relationship we need to have with Jesus, we will keep falling and failing.
How many actually realise they are fighting evil every day?
Sadly, many saints in the church are celebrating earthly successes rather than spiritual victories. God helped you build a house, do well in your job, bought you a car or bike, is okay – never worth celebrating or sharing with others about. They are all carnal and perishable.
We are called to be a testimony. A spiritual testimony, where in the New Testament do we see a celebration of earthly things? The New Testament church is a spiritual one. Called to live out Heaven on earth. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Thank God for Jesus who lived the perfect life and consistently urged His disciples to live for the glory of God. No matter the suffering or persecution we face, there will always be joy in the journey with Jesus.
All those who live godly, will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).
Maranatha, Praise God and Amen.
