Quote:
Originally Posted by Rico
This is the thing, though, Crakjak. I am not so sure that the suffering the Bible talks about is exclusive to being persecuted by a government, or at the hands of an economic system, etc., although those can be legitimate sources of suffering for a Christian. My thinking is the true suffering happens on a spiritual level, brought about through denying our flesh.
Fasting would be a good example. I've fasted in the past. I went a whole week once. I saw things in the Sprirt during that week I've never seen before. I have since then wondered what kind of suffering a 40 day fast would bring. Jesus' ministry was launched on the heels of a 40 day fast. See what I am getting at? I don't have that in common with Jesus.
Spiritual warfare would be another example. I don't know the first thing about it. Never really experienced it on a meaningful level. I believe Jesus fought the premier spiritual battle over going to the cross. It was the ultimate act of obedience. I'm not saying I think I need to get crucified to get close to Christ, ok? I am just saying that I have very little experience fighting spiritual battles.
These are just a couple of examples to help explain where my thinking is on all this.
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I can certainly see your point, and I do believe that all believer do experience different kinds of suffering. I observe folks with no money that find a place of peace and contentment, then I also observe folks with no money problems and they suffer in other areas of the lives. So life itself has a measure of suffering no matter our circumstances.
Our oldest son, now 36 years old, experienced sever brain damage from illness at 14 months old. I suppose we would be considered to have suffered though the lifelong care for him. However, we have grown and the very thing that has been our greatest challenge has become our greatest opportunity to share the gospel and to allow our Lord to be present in our areas of influence. The Lord has used these circumstances for His purposes, my wife is the director of a growing day program for special needs adult, who are out of school and otherwise would be couch potatoes with no place to go and nothing to do. We now serve fifteen specials adults, as good hearted folks have seen the ministry happening, they have volunteered in the program, given more than a half million dollars for our building and equipment.
Suffering must not get us down, rather it must get us up and going. "Lord, what am I to do with this broken heart, or broken health, or poverty, I am defined by my faith not my circumstances."
Bottom line: "What the enemy tries to use for defeat and reproach the Lord uses to declare His greatness!"