God Is The Source of Our Strength 4

Our society is filled with many complex problems. We shake our heads and wonder why society has accepted the many ideas we now notice, and of which will bring suffering of one  sort  or  another. It seems that far too many have forgotten the meaning of such simple important matters as Honesty, Principal, Justice, and Right. However, there is one thing they have not forgotten . . . Suffering!

            There is no question that the matter of suffering will at some time in a life, and in some fashion, come to a person.  Not all of our roads are smooth, not all our streams we must cross have calm waters. There are some rugged hills we must climb, and there are some fierce battles we must be engaged in along life’s way.  Paul gives a warning to  Timothy, and to us today by saying, “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”. (1 Tim.3:12).  Now,  the  question  is  this:  What  will  we do with the sufferings we are called upon to bear? Is there an answer to be found? The answer is Yes!  We must turn to the Bible, God’s word, and to God in prayer.  It is there we shall find the source of our much needed strength to carry on.  Listen to this: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”. (Heb.13:5).  “For even hereunto were ye called:  because  Christ  also  suffered  for   us,  leaving   us  an  example,  that  ye  should  follow  his  steps”.  (1 Pet.2:21).  What   kind  of  things will we be  faced with  to cause these hardships?

            Rejection brings into the heart a real form of suffering. When I consider this form of suffering, there are at least two people that come to mind … Moses and Christ Jesus.  Moses will  go back into Egypt to lead his people out of bondage and into God’s promised  land.   However,  it   was  not   long   until   he   was   faced   with   danger,  disappointments and hardships. It was then the people had thoughts of stoning him. Moses will do the only thing he can do. . . See just what God’s will is in instructing him to do under these circumstances. God remained the source of his strength in this time of rejection. Jesus Christ would ask, after some of  his  disciples  went  back  and  walked no more with him, “will ye also go away.” (Jno.6:66-67). All the good He did; of all the hope He gives; and of all the walls of hate He removed; the world rejected Him.  While  on the cross He cried  out  with  a loud voice unto God,  “Why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matt.27:46). Nevertheless, He will with a loving and obedient heart be heard  to say, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46). It goes without saying that many a person has been rejected, without cause, on more than one occasion.  A  mate  has been rejected by the other. A son or daughter shows rejection of the parents love. Real suffering. The source for strength? “Casting all your care upon Him; for he careth  for  you.”  (1 Pet. 5:7).  He has, He does, and He will!!  Amen.

. . . .  Fred  House