Posted on 07/18/2005 2:07:15 AM PDT by Jaysun
I won’t go into the details, but I’ve just been subjected to an unimaginable tragedy. All at once every ounce of pain, disappointment, and sadness I’ve ever experienced was made trivial by the news of this one event. Even now, I find it hard to believe that this nightmare is taking place in reality. Part of me is still thinking I’ll soon sit up in bed with my heart hammering and brood over how realistic the whole thing had seemed.
I find myself asking the usual questions that arise under these circumstances:
“Why God?”
“Why have you allowed this?”
“What have I done?”
The answers to those questions are what led me to post this. I hope it helps others. I turned to Matthew 5 and began reading the Beatitudes (posted below) and it occurred to me that Jesus calls them blessed not because of their sufferings, but because those sufferings make the reward so much sweeter. And I suppose that’s why we’re subjected to life’s disappointments, even while being faithful.
We apply this principal to our own children when we allow them to struggle through this or that in order to build their character or make them more responsible. Wouldn’t a poor person that later becomes wealthy appreciate and enjoy it more than someone born into wealth? So it is with life. Thank God we weren’t simply born in heaven and denied a life on earth to compare it to. I mean, what is joy if you don’t know misery?
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12 – 13)
Obviously, even without knowing details, something has happened to you that is catastrophic.
As much as I dislike knowing that we need these trials in our lifetime, I have also learned there is a reason behind each and every event that happens.
Gods plan for us is known only by Him. Sometimes just holding on tight and taking the ride is the only answer.
Whatever your situation, God bless and hold on tight!!!
You need to understand why God cast us into this world. Then things become more clear. What I'm about to tell you is not some rosy watercolor painting. This is how it is:
Satan, my friend, sows the seeds of pain. For example, this imperfect world we were cast into. We were beguilded and tempted by the Serpent-- who wanted us wiped out, hoping we would never even have been born. God, rather than killing our kind on the spot, felt merciful. So He cast us here-- to this world of death, so that we have a chance of reaching Paradise.
God makes all things possible, so long as they are limited in space and time. And the armies of Hell hate us, largely because we still have a chance, while they lost their chance. Our every flaw will be their gateway to trick and tempt us. Do not let them win!
What I'm getting at is this: we are in a spiritual war. The forces of darkness seek to demoralize us. When the Devil hurts me, I try to find a way to hurt the Devil back. Return him the 'favor', friend. Channel that pain to make him regret he ever brought misery to your life! And one day, God will pat you on the shoulder, embrace you, and weep with you. And I tell you this: the angels in Heavan weep for you now.
Never forget: these lives are grains of sand. We are being tested. God's kingdom is not for everyone. Do what you can to help others reach it. Because when this grain of sand, this tiny spot in time is long forgotten, some of us will be in Joyous Afterlife.
There's a way you can use your pain to help others. Tell the Lord, "I offer this pain up to [you specify]." Offer up your pain. Bundle it up, and make it a prayer-gift. Visualize the Shepherd and hand that prayer gift to Him, so that whoever you are praying for can benefit from your pain. Each time you feel pain, do it again. The more pain you feel, the stronger your prayer will be.
God calls us to love. Love makes us vulnerable, or it isn't love. Vulnerability makes us subject to pain.
The calling to follow Jesus is a guarantee of suffering. It's also a guarantee that He's with you through it all, all the while crafting a decisive victory over your enemies.
Sounds hard. I'll be praying for you.
Im sorry for your loss. I havent experienced the death of one of my parents, but can only imagine.
Believe it or not...Im looking forward to that time when my life becomes mundane. I do understand your point though and do agree that day to day life without the extreme highs and lows can be frustrating!
:o)
Declaring the power of salvific suffering, the Apostle Paul says: "In my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the Church"(1). These words seem to be found at the end af the long road that winds through the suffering which forms part of the history of man and which is illuminated by the Word of God. These words have as it were the value of a final discovery, which is accompanied by joy. For this reason Saint Paul writes: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake"(2). The joy comes from the discovery of the meaning of suffering, and this discovery, even if it is most personally shared in by Paul of Tarsus who wrote these words, is at the same time valid for others. The Apostle shares his own discovery and rejoices in it because of all those whom it can help—just as it helped him—to understand the salvific meaning of suffering.
(more)
You would have made an excellent friend for Job, Ff--150.
Jaysun, do not pay any attention to these people. Instead, read the comforting words of scripture which teach that all things are gifts from God, even death:
1 Corinthians 3:21-22
"For all things are yours: whether... life or death, or things present or things to come--all are yours. And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's."
And, though we are given as sheep for the slaughter, we are more than overcomers through Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,....
Colin.
Is it important to ask "how should I respond?" instead of "why is this happening to me?."
When we stop focusing on the circumstances of the trial and instead focus on our relationship with God, the burden is lighter.
Oh Good Lord, please make some statement to redeem yourself!!
Because as it stands, anyone who reads what you posted will get the distinct impression that you are an a$$, and a very large one at that!!!
You are right, we, like Job, dare to question God when we should be praising Him for His great mercy and grace.
ping
Its not that God allows it, but that Satan is able to do it.
Pain and misfortune are curses of the devil. But by acceptance of them to help us identify with Christ and His sufferings, they can become useful to us, and help us overcome the Evil One and his assaults, by turning his wickedness to good.
Prayers for you!
Excellent phrasing. These things can sometimes get muddled (at least for me).
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