| "If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you are so trusting, what will you do in the thicket of the Jordan? |
3More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 8:18
| For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Philippians 3:7-8 7But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ Acts 5:41
Considering these verses and probably some others that I cant even think of I believe I need to redefine what I perceive to be "Suffering." Suffering (My definition) It is an experience which reveals the fallen nature of this world and removes a portion of the crutch, the fallen world, which you have been leaning on. Forcing you to go to and grow in your one hope, Christ. For Christ is more than enough, this world is but a shadow. Allowing you to grow strong in Christ and run with horses, therefore improving the amount of damage God can do with you for His kingdom in the future. It is a blessing to experience it, rejoice that you have been blessed with it. I would love to hear your thoughts on this definition. This definition is far from perfect and is up for many revisions. |
