"He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain." Isaiah 53:3
"In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what He suffered." Hebrews 2:10
Suffering. It's an unpleasant, negative connotation word. We don't like to suffer. We don't like to be uncomfortable. We live in an age where comfort is not only accessible but expected and idolized. Although for the Christian, suffering is a reality and a necessity. It has been a topic recently in my life through BSF and my personal struggles this past year.
When I think of suffering, I cannot have complete thoughts without thinking of Jesus on the Cross physically suffering and spiritually suffering so that I would never, ever have to experience the full and complete separation from God the Father. That is Jesus as the Suffering Servant. Not only did He humble Himself to become human, He shared in the suffering of the human life. He experienced hardships and worked hard in life. He was a carpenter and most likely not a savvy wood-worker like Clint on Fixer Upper, but a masonry, putting in hard labor hours.
Jesus followed completely the law and lived a sinless life. Choosing God's way causes suffering. Our flesh has desires and wants that are not usually in line with God's Word, therefore when we deny ourselves pleasures, we suffer.
Jesus was radical in His teachings and healings on the Sabbath which caused ridicule and rejection--more suffering. How many times have others around you given snide comments or scoffed when you have shared your views, opinions, or preferences?
I could go on and on about the types of sufferings. Jesus suffering on the cross is the greatest example of suffering we have, but that doesn't mean that our suffering isn't real and the God doesn't see it or care about it. We cannot go around comparing sufferings with each other. We are all suffering at some capacity and God has given us different handling capacities. We are also all in different seasons of life which bring different types of sufferings. My caution would be to keep an open heart when meeting and talking to people.
Lately, as I have been studying Paul's writing and missionary journeys, I am trying to wrap my head around rejoicing in suffering and counting myself worthy for the cause of Christ. Why would I celebrate the distress in my life?? Here is another verse that has put perspective on suffering:
Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 1 Peter 4:1
Suffering against the flesh means that I am done with sin, no longer a slave to it, meaning that I am progressing in sanctification...hallelujah....I am becoming slightly more like Jesus!! That is reason to celebrate. The suffering is an indication of sanctification!!
Where are you suffering today? How is it drawing you closer to the Lord?
In His Love,
A
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