Sunday, April 23, 2017

Season of Suffering

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."  Ecclesiastes 3:1

As I think on this verse, I think about life and the many blessings that we all have as well as the suffering that we all go through.

Today's sermon was on the "Seasons of Suffering".  Suffering is everywhere and at times unavoidable.  I think about the people that I know and the suffering that has touched their lives. From battling cancer; chronic pain in their back; financial troubles; marriage problems/divorce; strained relationships with family members; death of a family member or a close friend; as well as being in a job where they are miserable.

There is nothing more certain in life than the fact that we are all going to suffer at some stage in our life.  As we are going through this suffering, we wonder if God really loves us?  How do we find hope when darkness hits us?

The chapter of Job discusses the suffering that he went through.  Job was a man of God and he was tested.  His life was filled with prestige, possessions and a wonderful family.  In a split second, he lost everything, his children, servants, livestock and home.  Job's testing of faith began.

Even Job's wife told him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity?  Curse God and die!".  Job's reply was "Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?".  How true that statement is!

So often people tell us that we have done something wrong in our life or we are not walking with God or what can we do to change our situation?  We forget that our trials are what can bring us closer to God.  To trust Him with the the life that He created for us.

As we each go through suffering in our lives, I just want to encourage you to know that God is aware of your circumstance(s) and that He does have a plan even when we can't even understand or know what it is.

God is almighty!  He wants us to lay everything at His feet.  God will give us the wisdom that we need as we walk through the suffering.

Reflect on this verse:  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28  This does not mean that all that happens to us is good.  Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-range good.

Enjoy this week that God has given you!



1 comment:

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

I am enjoying the week as each week we have here on earth is a good one