redemptive suffering – BradRiley.Org

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you.

1 Peter 5:10

Do you realize what it means that God has “called you to his eternal glory in Christ”? It’s imperative that we understand this incredible promise. There is much suffering in this life, and if we don’t understand the plan of God, as He’s revealed it, then we worry and lose hope easily. Here’s the main thing God wants us to know – for those in Christ, the end of all suffering is glory.

Suffering, far from being a deterrent to faith, should give us strength. In Romans 8:17, St. Paul says we are heirs with Christ, if we suffer with Him. But what do we inherit? Eternal glory. That’s right, we inherit all the glory of the eternal kingdom of Christ, and as one old song writer put it, “It will be worth it all!”

So how does the knowledge of such a great inheritance help give us strength through our suffering? St. Peter has the answer; the “God of all grace” will only let us suffer, “a little while” before He brings restoration, and strength. A part of His restoration and strength is our seeing the Father was faithful to Jesus as He suffered so we can trust Him to be faithful to us also. Isn’t resurrection to eternal glory worth the suffering we endure here and now? I hope you see that it is.

Suffering comes upon all humanity because we live in a fallen world, a world temporarily ruled by sin. But sins curse is broken for those who believe in Christ. So the question isn’t will we suffer in this life, we will. The real question is how will we suffer? Will we suffer so as to gain the glory? When we choose to suffer in Christ we are flooded with waves of mercy because we never suffer alone.

Grace and Peace,

+Pastor Brad

Prayer

Father of all Mercy, look upon your suffering servant even as you did your son Jesus. Help me today to see I am not alone in my suffering. Help me to see Your restoration and strength coming to me in a little while. Amen.

Image credit:http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/04/13/guillory.end.of.life.care/

²⁹For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

^{Philippians 1:29}

The American Pop Philosopher, John Cougar Mellencamp sang, “Sometimes love don’t feel like it should. You make it, hurt so good”. Somehow, I don’t think John was talking about Jesus – but he was right. Jesus can make our suffering and pain hurt so good. Suffering can actually breed strength. Sounds ironic, doesn’t it?

The world doesn’t comprehend such thinking. In the eyes of the world, suffering often means weakness, or at least bad luck. But, the New Testament turns the wisdom of the world upside down. The Philippian people were suffering for their new found faith in Jesus Christ. Indeed St. Paul was writing from prison, and for nothing more than being a Christian. Suffering seems to be the common denominator uniting all followers of Jesus through the ages.

Why is it we are called to suffer? Because Jesus suffered, and the servant is not greater than his master. Paul speaks of our suffering as something we are “granted”, as if it’s a privilege similar to the gift of faith. Sadly, many do not see suffering as a gift from God. In fact, we often pray to avoid suffering and pain.

While we shouldn’t go looking for suffering, it’s imperative that we not try to avoid it when it comes. Suffering, when properly understood is redemptive. We can take comfort in knowing that in all suffering we have the resurrection power of Jesus to sustain us. God will not allow a burden of suffering, for which He also does not give the strength to endure.

The strength to endure suffering in any form, is the strength of Christ at work in us; it is the redeeming power of the cross, and the triumphant power of the resurrection. Could there be a greater compliment? Our Father has trusted us with the character to live as over-comers, even as did Jesus. So remember, if you are currently suffering, you’re not alone. All who suffer unite at the Cross of Christ, for it has been granted to us, even as our faith.

And remember, Christ is risen…and so are you!

Grace & Peace,

+Pastor Brad

Prayer

God of all mercy, help me not to avoid the suffering I am called to endure in this life. But, rather help me to unite my suffering with your cross that others may come to see you, and I may come to know you better. Amen. Alleluia!

Image credit: http://myat40.wikia.com/wiki/John_Cougar:Hurts_So_Good

Tag: redemptive suffering

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