Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (2 Tim 2:3)
Young people seek adventure and will endure hardship for the thrill of a great experience. But somehow as we get older we become more concerned with our ease and comfort. When Paul writes this admonition to Timothy, Paul is old and in prison, enduring hardship for the sake of Christ. Timothy is young and living an adventurous life as an itinerant evangelist and church planter. Paul reminds Timothy that we are soldiers of Christ. Soldiers endure great hardship, but always for the sake of others. When the thrill is gone, when the path ahead leads to danger, the soldier endures and presses forward, because he has given his life to a cause greater than himself. When I let myself become absorbed in the pursuit of ease and comfort, I am devoting myself to a shallow and selfish cause. Jesus poured himself out for us, and Paul followed faithfully his example. I must do the same.
Showing posts with label suffering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label suffering. Show all posts
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Trail of Trials
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. (Ex 13:17-18)
Ever wonder how God chooses the path he leads us on? It should be obvious by this point in our lives that it’s not the easiest or shortest path. We can see that in this passage. If you are in Egypt and you want to get to Canaan, the easiest and quickest way is to follow the Mediterranean coast up through Philistine country. You certainly wouldn’t strike out across the desert toward the Red Sea. Even if you could figure out how to cross it you would find yourself in the desolate Sinai. In fact, by leading them to the shores of the Red Sea God led them, on purpose, into a trap. With the sea before them and the army of Pharaoh behind them they were in need of a miracle – which was precisely God’s plan! That day God miraculously defeated both the army and the sea. By taking them on this path, what did God accomplish?
Lord, I know you go behind me and before me. You mark out a path for me that is wiser than I can imagine. It is a path full of trials, but they are the trials you have chosen for me. There are other trials I am not ready to face, but you have chosen these trials for me so that I may learn to depend on you. You are my provision and my protection. I will trust in you. Amen.
For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. (Ps 48:14)
Ever wonder how God chooses the path he leads us on? It should be obvious by this point in our lives that it’s not the easiest or shortest path. We can see that in this passage. If you are in Egypt and you want to get to Canaan, the easiest and quickest way is to follow the Mediterranean coast up through Philistine country. You certainly wouldn’t strike out across the desert toward the Red Sea. Even if you could figure out how to cross it you would find yourself in the desolate Sinai. In fact, by leading them to the shores of the Red Sea God led them, on purpose, into a trap. With the sea before them and the army of Pharaoh behind them they were in need of a miracle – which was precisely God’s plan! That day God miraculously defeated both the army and the sea. By taking them on this path, what did God accomplish?
- They saw God’s final, miraculous triumph over their Egyptian slave masters.
- They were in a desolate region where they were utterly dependent on God for food and water. And
- There was absolutely no way they could turn back because the Sea was now between them and Egypt!
Lord, I know you go behind me and before me. You mark out a path for me that is wiser than I can imagine. It is a path full of trials, but they are the trials you have chosen for me. There are other trials I am not ready to face, but you have chosen these trials for me so that I may learn to depend on you. You are my provision and my protection. I will trust in you. Amen.
For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. (Ps 48:14)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
God's Amazing Plan for Us
In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure. (Gen 15:16)
What an amazing plan God has for us! We often wonder why he lets bad things happen. These things don't take God by surprise. He has planned them for centuries. And not only does he have a good reason for them, he often has two or three good reasons!
In this passage, God is making a covenant with Abram. He has promised to make Abram’s descendants into a great nation. But he also tells Abram his descendants will be slaves in another country for 400 years. That part sounds bad. Who wants to suffer for 400 years? Of course, we know in hindsight that Israel's bondage in Egypt and miraculous deliverance was God’s plan to forge them into a nation. Even more, their experience in Egypt was a type (a foreshadowing) of our deliverance in Christ. But God had yet another reason.
We know that when Israel entered the Promised Land it was the fulfillment of God’s promised blessing for them. But sometimes we forget that it was also his execution of judgment on the Canaanites for their many sins. God tells Abram his descendants will be in bondage for 400 years because “the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” Here we see that Israel’s suffering in Egypt had yet another purpose – to show God's mercy to the Amorites! He is going to give them an extra 400 years to repent of their sins. Even though God knew that ultimately they would not repent, in his mercy he desired to give them every opportunity. He is not hasty in judgment.
God weaves all of these many different purposes into the beautiful tapestry of his plan for our lives. When I wonder why God allows suffering in my life, or in the life of a friend, I can be confident that he has a deep and worthy purpose in it.
What an amazing plan God has for us! We often wonder why he lets bad things happen. These things don't take God by surprise. He has planned them for centuries. And not only does he have a good reason for them, he often has two or three good reasons!
In this passage, God is making a covenant with Abram. He has promised to make Abram’s descendants into a great nation. But he also tells Abram his descendants will be slaves in another country for 400 years. That part sounds bad. Who wants to suffer for 400 years? Of course, we know in hindsight that Israel's bondage in Egypt and miraculous deliverance was God’s plan to forge them into a nation. Even more, their experience in Egypt was a type (a foreshadowing) of our deliverance in Christ. But God had yet another reason.
We know that when Israel entered the Promised Land it was the fulfillment of God’s promised blessing for them. But sometimes we forget that it was also his execution of judgment on the Canaanites for their many sins. God tells Abram his descendants will be in bondage for 400 years because “the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” Here we see that Israel’s suffering in Egypt had yet another purpose – to show God's mercy to the Amorites! He is going to give them an extra 400 years to repent of their sins. Even though God knew that ultimately they would not repent, in his mercy he desired to give them every opportunity. He is not hasty in judgment.
God weaves all of these many different purposes into the beautiful tapestry of his plan for our lives. When I wonder why God allows suffering in my life, or in the life of a friend, I can be confident that he has a deep and worthy purpose in it.
Friday, November 19, 2010
School of Hard Knocks
He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (Deut 8:3)
The latter half of this verse is famous because Jesus quoted it to the devil when he was tempted in the wilderness. But today it is the first half of the verse that caught my eye. To teach the Israelites this lesson he first had to humble them. God first caused them to hunger and only then did he send the manna. I am struck by the fact that he caused them to hunger. God uses our hardships to teach us, but he doesn’t necessarily just wait for a hardship to come. He sometimes brings hardship. He brings it not because he hates us, but because he loves us enough to want us to grow in our faith and character. I’ve said many times that most of the spiritual growth in my life has happened during the hard times. God’s plan for my life includes some hard times. Lord, thank you that, like a father who disciplines his son, you bring trials in my life to teach me. Like the Israelites may I learn humility and utter dependence on you. Amen.
The latter half of this verse is famous because Jesus quoted it to the devil when he was tempted in the wilderness. But today it is the first half of the verse that caught my eye. To teach the Israelites this lesson he first had to humble them. God first caused them to hunger and only then did he send the manna. I am struck by the fact that he caused them to hunger. God uses our hardships to teach us, but he doesn’t necessarily just wait for a hardship to come. He sometimes brings hardship. He brings it not because he hates us, but because he loves us enough to want us to grow in our faith and character. I’ve said many times that most of the spiritual growth in my life has happened during the hard times. God’s plan for my life includes some hard times. Lord, thank you that, like a father who disciplines his son, you bring trials in my life to teach me. Like the Israelites may I learn humility and utter dependence on you. Amen.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
What Makes Jesus Angry?
He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. (Mk 3:5)
Jesus was angry with the Pharisees because they condemned him for healing a man on the Sabbath. I’ve read this story of the man with the shriveled hand many times, but I don’t ever recall noticing that Jesus got angry. In fact, I can’t think of anywhere else that we are told Jesus was angry, although we might infer it at times. Certainly he drove the money changers out of the temple and called the Pharisees hypocrites. So what makes Jesus angry? Things like hypocrisy, lack of compassion and greed. Notably absent is any sense that he got angry at his accusers, his torturers or his executioners. He was willing to suffer, but he was not willing to allow others to suffer or be misled. His concern was always for others and not himself. Lord Jesus, help me to have the same selfless attitude that you displayed in your life here on earth.
Jesus was angry with the Pharisees because they condemned him for healing a man on the Sabbath. I’ve read this story of the man with the shriveled hand many times, but I don’t ever recall noticing that Jesus got angry. In fact, I can’t think of anywhere else that we are told Jesus was angry, although we might infer it at times. Certainly he drove the money changers out of the temple and called the Pharisees hypocrites. So what makes Jesus angry? Things like hypocrisy, lack of compassion and greed. Notably absent is any sense that he got angry at his accusers, his torturers or his executioners. He was willing to suffer, but he was not willing to allow others to suffer or be misled. His concern was always for others and not himself. Lord Jesus, help me to have the same selfless attitude that you displayed in your life here on earth.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Better Than Life
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. (Ps 63:3)
The apostles certainly believed that. Peter and John rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the Name (Acts 5:41). James said to count it all joy when we encounter trials (James 1:2). Paul and Silas sang and worshiped in jail (Acts 16:25). They counted the love of God better than life, and their lips did not cease in praising the Lord, no matter how much they suffered. Lord, I will praise you in good times and bad, because your love is better than life.
The apostles certainly believed that. Peter and John rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the Name (Acts 5:41). James said to count it all joy when we encounter trials (James 1:2). Paul and Silas sang and worshiped in jail (Acts 16:25). They counted the love of God better than life, and their lips did not cease in praising the Lord, no matter how much they suffered. Lord, I will praise you in good times and bad, because your love is better than life.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
No Easy Life
This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name. (Acts 9:15-16)
With these words the Lord Jesus commands Ananias in a vision to go to the newly converted Saul in Damascus. God saved Saul miraculously, appearing to him in a vision on the Damascus road. In the Lord’s words to Ananias, it is clear that before Paul had done a single thing in God’s service God had chosen him for greatness. And indeed, no man ever accomplished so much or suffered so greatly for the Gospel as Paul. Like Peter and John, Paul counted it a great privilege to suffer for Jesus. Once again I am confronted with the connection between suffering and serving God. If I insist on an easy life I will accomplish little. Can I follow the example of the apostles? Lord, I am willing to lay everything down for you. I know I can’t possibly do that in my own strength. Holy Spirit, accomplish in me what I cannot do in myself.
With these words the Lord Jesus commands Ananias in a vision to go to the newly converted Saul in Damascus. God saved Saul miraculously, appearing to him in a vision on the Damascus road. In the Lord’s words to Ananias, it is clear that before Paul had done a single thing in God’s service God had chosen him for greatness. And indeed, no man ever accomplished so much or suffered so greatly for the Gospel as Paul. Like Peter and John, Paul counted it a great privilege to suffer for Jesus. Once again I am confronted with the connection between suffering and serving God. If I insist on an easy life I will accomplish little. Can I follow the example of the apostles? Lord, I am willing to lay everything down for you. I know I can’t possibly do that in my own strength. Holy Spirit, accomplish in me what I cannot do in myself.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Unbowed and Unbroken
If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. (Lk 6:29)
There is a common concern today that this passage seems too “wimpy” to take literally. Many people look for ways to explain it away by appealing to various ancient customs. A friend was telling me just the other day about such a Sunday School lesson he had heard. But I think Jesus meant what he said, and I don’t think it is wimpy at all. There is tremendous strength and dignity in being able to take every blow of the enemy and stand tall, unafraid of the next blow. The same is true of enduring the hardship of an oppressor. By our strength and our refusal to retaliate we send a powerful message that we will not be broken, neither will we descend to the level of our adversary. I think the man in v29 who turns the other cheek is a lot like the house in v48 that was built on the rock and withstood the onslaught of the flood. Jesus exhibited this kind of strength on Calvary. Let us emulate our Lord and do the same.
There is a common concern today that this passage seems too “wimpy” to take literally. Many people look for ways to explain it away by appealing to various ancient customs. A friend was telling me just the other day about such a Sunday School lesson he had heard. But I think Jesus meant what he said, and I don’t think it is wimpy at all. There is tremendous strength and dignity in being able to take every blow of the enemy and stand tall, unafraid of the next blow. The same is true of enduring the hardship of an oppressor. By our strength and our refusal to retaliate we send a powerful message that we will not be broken, neither will we descend to the level of our adversary. I think the man in v29 who turns the other cheek is a lot like the house in v48 that was built on the rock and withstood the onslaught of the flood. Jesus exhibited this kind of strength on Calvary. Let us emulate our Lord and do the same.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Perfect Obedience
“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mk 14:36)
It is astonishing to me that Jesus himself, second person of the Trinity, would pray such a prayer! If he can pray that way, surely we can as well. He clearly dreaded the agony he was about to endure and longed to not have to go through it. He tells the Father, “Everything is possible with you,” just as I would if I were in his shoes. Yet for all the dread and all the longing, his heart was perfectly submissive to the Father’s will. Lord, may I be so candid and honest in my prayers, and at the same time so perfectly obedient. Jesus was tempted in every way just as we are – yet without sin. (Heb 4:15) Thank you, Lord, for such a wonderful example you gave us.
It is astonishing to me that Jesus himself, second person of the Trinity, would pray such a prayer! If he can pray that way, surely we can as well. He clearly dreaded the agony he was about to endure and longed to not have to go through it. He tells the Father, “Everything is possible with you,” just as I would if I were in his shoes. Yet for all the dread and all the longing, his heart was perfectly submissive to the Father’s will. Lord, may I be so candid and honest in my prayers, and at the same time so perfectly obedient. Jesus was tempted in every way just as we are – yet without sin. (Heb 4:15) Thank you, Lord, for such a wonderful example you gave us.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Learning from Adversity
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. (Ps 119:67)
Why do bad things happen to good people? Here's one reason. God allows hardships and heartache to come into our lives to chastise us, and to train us to turn to him in good times and bad. Maturity and wisdom come chiefly from difficult experiences. As he says in v71, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.”
Why do bad things happen to good people? Here's one reason. God allows hardships and heartache to come into our lives to chastise us, and to train us to turn to him in good times and bad. Maturity and wisdom come chiefly from difficult experiences. As he says in v71, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.”
Friday, May 28, 2010
The Light of Dawn
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. (Ps 112:4)
In the hard times the light still dawns. I think sometimes we might not even see it though it is already there. The light of God’s favor is on us, but to our eyes it is still dark. We must remain faithful and continue to walk in righteousness, even when the world seems dark.
In the hard times the light still dawns. I think sometimes we might not even see it though it is already there. The light of God’s favor is on us, but to our eyes it is still dark. We must remain faithful and continue to walk in righteousness, even when the world seems dark.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Not How I Would Have Planned It
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. (Acts 8:4)
I suspect they never realized what role this persecution played in spreading the Gospel. Maybe they did later, looking back. But at the time, it must have looked like a complete disaster. We have no way to know how God is going to use the hardships and trials of our lives. But we must trust him, knowing that he is Good and he is Sovereign, so everything he allows to happen is part of his plan.
I suspect they never realized what role this persecution played in spreading the Gospel. Maybe they did later, looking back. But at the time, it must have looked like a complete disaster. We have no way to know how God is going to use the hardships and trials of our lives. But we must trust him, knowing that he is Good and he is Sovereign, so everything he allows to happen is part of his plan.
Monday, March 29, 2010
It's All His
[Job] said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:21)
This is Job’s response to the news that all his children and all his servants and all his wealth have suddenly been destroyed. Job knew that nothing we have is truly ours. God gives it to us and God can take it away. It all belongs to him and he is within his rights to do whatever he pleases with it. Now God has taken it all away, and even though Job cannot possibly understand why he still says, “may the name of the Lord be praised.” Not only is Job’s faith great, but also the degree of his surrender to God. Lord, help me to truly understand that all I have is yours. You could take it all away tomorrow and I would have neither cause for complaint nor need to fear the future. Financial security is good, but faith in you is better. But Lord, it is harder to face the prospect that something bad might happen to my family than to me. Surely that was Job's greatest hurt. I surrender my family to you, Lord. I know they are yours, and I know you love them far more than I. Guard them. Draw them to yourself. And, whatever happens, may we one day be together with you for eternity.
This is Job’s response to the news that all his children and all his servants and all his wealth have suddenly been destroyed. Job knew that nothing we have is truly ours. God gives it to us and God can take it away. It all belongs to him and he is within his rights to do whatever he pleases with it. Now God has taken it all away, and even though Job cannot possibly understand why he still says, “may the name of the Lord be praised.” Not only is Job’s faith great, but also the degree of his surrender to God. Lord, help me to truly understand that all I have is yours. You could take it all away tomorrow and I would have neither cause for complaint nor need to fear the future. Financial security is good, but faith in you is better. But Lord, it is harder to face the prospect that something bad might happen to my family than to me. Surely that was Job's greatest hurt. I surrender my family to you, Lord. I know they are yours, and I know you love them far more than I. Guard them. Draw them to yourself. And, whatever happens, may we one day be together with you for eternity.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Take Heart!
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (Jn 16:33)
If ever there was anyone about whom it could be said, “In this world you will have trouble,” it would certainly be true of the disciples. Tradition tells us they were all martyred, except John who was exiled. By comparison, few among us will lead troubled lives. How much more can we then have confidence in Jesus’ statement, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” I have often given in too easily to sadness and fear as I contemplate the future, especially when I begin to worry about those who are dear to me. But Jesus spoke as one who knows the future. Even more, he is sovereign in the future just as he is sovereign in the present. When Jesus tells us to take heart, it is in full knowledge that “we will have trouble” – but that will not be the end of the story. Is 46:10 says, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”
If ever there was anyone about whom it could be said, “In this world you will have trouble,” it would certainly be true of the disciples. Tradition tells us they were all martyred, except John who was exiled. By comparison, few among us will lead troubled lives. How much more can we then have confidence in Jesus’ statement, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” I have often given in too easily to sadness and fear as I contemplate the future, especially when I begin to worry about those who are dear to me. But Jesus spoke as one who knows the future. Even more, he is sovereign in the future just as he is sovereign in the present. When Jesus tells us to take heart, it is in full knowledge that “we will have trouble” – but that will not be the end of the story. Is 46:10 says, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”
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