Offering up our suffering
We know surely that if our earthly abode, the tabernacle we now dwell in, were destroyed, we have an abode prepared by God: a habitation not made with hands, but eternal in heaven. - 2 Cor 5
I’ve had some health problems over the last few years. I have had severe, debilitating reactions to medications which the doctors have told me I need to take or I will develop life limiting cardiovascular disease. I saw another specialist on Tuesday so these things have been on my mind the past couple of days. I have five children, my husband and my elderly, bed bound mother who need me to be strong. It can seem confusing why I am in this place with my health. Yet, I know God is Good. I trust that all things come from His hand, for my own soul’s sake and the sake of other souls. His ways are higher.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.” - Isaiah 55:8-9
Not long ago. watched a beautiful film by Sister Emmanuelle Maillard about how suffering can be given as an offering to Our Lord, just as our prayers can. Please watch the video if you get a chance. Here is a link to it.
Our suffering is not pointless. It can be redemptive, offered up to God as a sacrifice for the sake of others. Even if suffering is not inherently good, it can produce good if we endure it, allow it to purify us, and make it into a sacrifice.
As followers of Jesus we carry some of the burden of this fallen world. We help Jesus carry His cross.
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church; Colossians 1.24
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4-12
This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— 2 Thessalonians 1-5
Today Mary’s Magnificat came to me. One line in particular glistened with deep meaning for me : ‘My soul glorifies The Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour.’
My spirit truly rejoices in God my saviour. Not in my health, or wealth, or popularity, or status, or outward circumstances, but in God, my saviour. The saviour of my soul. Afflictions test and purify, they are a refining fire. The Lord cares for our souls first and foremost.
And my spirit can only truly rejoice in Him when rather than magnifying my problems I magnify Him and make Him Lord of my life ( see previous post)
Fear of worldly things destroys whereas fear of The Lord gives life.
What are some consequences of living in worldly fear?
- Fear often results in depression. Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in the heart of man bring depression.”
- Fear or anxiety often leads to sin. We saw Abraham lie about his wife because he was afraid that the Egyptians would kill him to take her.
- Fear will immobilize your spiritual life. Proverbs 29:25says, “The fear of man will prove to be a snare.” When a person gets caught in a snare, he can no longer move. Many Christians are no longer progressing spiritually because they are afraid of what people think, what people say or have said, or what people can do to them. Fear will immobilize us spiritually.
- Fear will also make God’s Word unproductive in our lives. In describing the thorny ground, Matthew 13:22 said, “the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it [the Word], making it unfruitful.” For many Christians, God’s Word is no longer alive to them because, instead of walking in faith, they walk in worry and fear. Therefore, God’s Word is choked and produces no fruit in their lives.
Because of all this, we can see why our enemy works so hard to bring fear in believers’ lives. It can severely handicap them from doing God’s will. It is through fear that Satan rules in many men’s hearts.
Worship and praise are the antidote to fear and affliction. Worship and praise Magnify The Lord.
Put on ‘ the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;’ - Isaiah 61:3
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: (Job 13:15)
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. (Job 23:10)
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8.18)
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:12)
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4).
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” - (Romans 8:28)
Below are the words of the young, blessed Chiara Luce Badano while in her bed, dying of cancer.
‘ "I suffered a lot but my soul was singing!" "I have nothing left, but I still have my heart, and with that I can always love."
Even if the world strips everything away. If we have The Lord, we have everything. We have Love in its fullness and perfection.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. - Romans 8:18-21
Here is a beautiful and edifying hymn from today’s morning prayer:
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