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Accepting Suffering


We live in a delusional world, where the mantra is "be happy." We are told by psychologists and preachers that we should get positive. At the pulpit in some Churches they say that God will bless you and give you much. It is true the Bible says, "I came to give you life abundantly." (John 10:10, KJV). However, it also says, "If the shepherd suffers, won't the sheep suffer?" (Matthew 24:9, NLT). I don't think Christ wanted us to suffer or enjoys it at our expense. I believe he thinks what he has been thinking since Eden, 'this is the fruit of your choice.' We are reaping the consequences of our ancestors. Adam and Eve began the suffering that we must endure. Because of Satan and Man's rebellion we have been exposed to afflictions, pestilences, hardship, hurt, and inevitably death. That was the package the devil didn't divulge. Now, Jesus Christ has redeemed us. In him we are born again, but we are still bound to a fallen world. We are in temporal body that decays and aches. The Spirit and Soul within us will endure and be with the Lord and one day, Resurrection Day, we will be given new bodies (2 Corinthians 5:1-10, NLT). Christ has saved us from the Second Death: Separation (Hell). He also has given us access to Him, The Father, and The Holy Spirit. We can now navigate this broken world with the King of the Universe in our corner. But suffering isn't going away. Some preach that suffering tests our faith to produces endurance and perseverance. This is true according to the Apostle Paul. However, I think in addition to this test it is the cost package of sinful world. The Prince of This World (Satan) is moving against all Christians. Persecution manifests in the spiritual and the physical. Evil regimes like the Third Reich were conceived by the devil , but implement by men under his influence. Jews and Christians suffered at the hands of Satanic men. Adolf Hitler's right hand man was a warlock and he believed if he had the Lance of Christ he could conquer the world.

I think many believers are going to struggle if they think suffering if off the table. Christ never guaranteed us a picnic or perpetual bliss in this life. He said that "everyone will hate you for my sake." However, Christ makes a promise after this statement, "but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Mark 13:13, NIV). It is clear that our Lord is not painting a picture of an easy life if your are his disciple. It is going to require resolve from the Redeemer to wade through the waves of persecution, animosity, affliction, and pain we will endure. Some pastors might interpret that is verse was only for the Apostles. That Christ was speaking only to his Twelve Disciples and that these words aren't relevant to us. Well if that's true, then explain to me the Persecutions of Caligula, Persecutions of Nero, Persecutions of Hitler, and the Persecutions of the Progressives/Media today. Throughout history Christians have been targeted and hated. In fact, in this day and age Christians are among the most unpopular people. Whole News Networks and Movements are working around the clock to report and ridicule The Redeemed (I've mentioned this in more detail in previous posts).

The point is that we must get tough skin. We must build up our Spirit in presence of the Holy Spirit. We must fill our minds and hearts with God's Holy Word (Bible). If we are to endure the persecution, pestilence, and pain that comes with being a Christian we must be connected at the hip with Christ. We can't settle for a lukewarm relationship with our Lord. We must put him before all things and be willing to sacrifice anything to be with Him. I myself have had to give up possessions (recently my Mario Collection), people (friends and family), and passions. We want to pursue our own dreams and our own way, but Christ asks us to surrender and submit our will for His. If we do, we will find a Peace that surpasses all understanding and a purpose that surpasses our own imagination.

Addendum:

Remember that nothing you suffer hasn't already be endured by Our Savior. Christ endured the most excruciating pain on the Cross. He was flogged, filleted, and fasten to a cross with nine inch nails. He went through agony to save us from eternal anguish. All he asks is for us to endure so that we may finish the race and be with him in Paradise. Don't let trials, tribulations, terrors, and tyrannical devils rob you of the Prince of Peace (Jesus). Hold fast to Christ, because he is hanging on to you. He will never let go, so don't you let go. Keep the faith, finish the race and forbear the sufferings of this world.

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