Based on “Stand Firm and Stand United” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 7/24-25/10
Message #6056; Daily Devotional #2 - “The Who of Suffering”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15) The story goes that when I was about nine months old, I was attempting to walk on my own and having some success at it until the inevitable tumble came and I got my first bump. That did it for me. My parents claim that it was another six months before I could be coaxed into standing on my own two feet. I learned early on that life hurts, and if it meant avoiding suffering, I’d sit life out. I have to admit, as I look back, that I have struggled against that mentality all of my life. Ride a bike? No thanks. Learn to ice skate? Not likely. I’ll just watch you guys from behind my current book. I have learned, however, that attempting to avoid all suffering only leads to other, often worse pain. When my pillow becomes a cloud, and pulling my body upright to take that early morning walk is the last thing I want to do, I remember the health issues my inactivity can produce. If I give in to the temptation to stay right there in bed, one day I may lose the very ability to get out of it altogether. Likewise, in relationships, a “peace at any price” approach seems at first to be pain free, but in the end usually results in much worse and more wounding issues building up to the explosion point. Even in spiritual matters, it would seem less painful to hide shame and guilt rather than go to God and seek forgiveness, but that mentality leads to eternal suffering. Then, too, there is the pain that comes our way no matter how we plan and try to protect ourselves. There is the pain of circumstances, like Katrina or the earthquake in Haiti, or the present economy that brings us face to face with adversity. Then there is the anguish that comes from others. Betrayal, unfaithfulness, loneliness, misunderstandings, and rejection come our way and leave us hurting.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): It would seem that God has deliberately designed us to experience pain one way or another. Why would a loving God allow those He cared about to become acquainted with affliction? It’s a question that has caused many a saint to turn his or her back on faith. God uses suffering to test us and to help us grow. I tell everyone that stairs are our friends as I huff and puff my way up them. In the same way, trials can be our friends, causing us to learn more about God’s faithfulness, and our dependency on Him, as we huff and puff our way through them.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): We often cry out, “Why?” when we encounter adversity, but we can endure much more than we can imagine if we know the “Who” of our suffering. When we are tempted to give up standing bold and fearless in the face of life’s hurtful moments and instead run like a frightened rabbit, it is time to remind ourselves “Who” we are following. In a painful moment, have you ever stopped and asked the question, “Jesus, did you hurt this much?” The answer is yes, and much more, and all for you. Jesus identifies with all of your pain, and He is there to help you overcome when you turn to Him.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Hebrews 10:35-36; Hebrews 12:2-3; 1 Peter 4:12-13
cm
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.