Suffering Wisely
Frustrations, problems, and real suffering, are inevitable components of any human life. Christians are not excluded from that. In fact, Christ Himself had indicated to His followers that in the world they would suffer tribulation.
To His disciples, Christ also alluded to a cross which they should bear, making clear that such cross is a badge of one’s Christian commitment. And the cross, or crosses you may be called upon to carry, will not necessarily lead you to death; their purposes are to develop character in you, to build resilience, to draw you closer to the One Who will not let you endure your cross alone. His unlimited resources shall remain abundantly available!
With such understanding, Christians of other eras confronted tremendous odds, not in fear, not in total discouragement, but with the courage which Christ Himself provides. In the primitive church many were persecuted, several had their personal property confiscated, countless were driven to foreign nations in search of refuge, while a large multitude even offered their lifeblood, as martyrs, on account of their complete allegiance to their Savior and Master.
Indeed, it is impossible to escape what is inevitable in one’s earthly life, even if persecutions and martyrdom may not be part of the picture at the present moment, as it was during the first three centuries of Christendom, and during other epochs of Christian history.
Although trouble and loss are shared in this life by Christian and non-Christian alike, these are sufferings which are the inescapable result of one’s personal commitment to the Son of God. The cross, which Christ expects His followers to bear, is something additional; it is the identifying emblem of one’s belonging to Him, no matter what form it takes.
That’s why every Christian needs to discover ways of suffering with wisdom. This entails knowing and utilizing all the resources God makes available for His people in battle, or in the mere living of one’s daily life. It further means recognizing that grace which is always sufficient to Christ’s followers in any situation. It’s also a reminder of the divine affirmation, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you,” even in the midst of trouble - any kind of trouble!
Sometimes, it is a difficult experience that leads a person into a truly fulfilled life, even if the same experience may totally paralyse another, or even remove all meaning and joy from that individual.
A Christian philosopher of the 20th century alluded to three classes of sufferers: the rearguard of the defeated, the army of the compliant ones, and the vanguard of the conquerors. Where would you be? Hopefully, among the victorious ones if, indeed, you suffer in wisdom and with wisdom!
Be confident of this one truth: there’s no such thing as permanent defeat for a child of God; His plan is to lead His own from victory unto victory, no matter what may be happening around them in this vale of tears! Failure comes only when you disregard God’s offers; success is certain when you follow His lead!
