Suffering

One of the great troubles in the mind of the American Christian is the subject of suffering. It’s hard to understand why some are allowed to suffer but then others to have blessing upon blessing. What if suffering was a blessing and blessings were a curse? What if we, as followers of Christ here in America, have it all wrong? I know that in my mind I cringe at the thought of suffering. I think we all do. But if we truly believe then we should know that suffering here is only for a short time. Heaven awaits. And it’s better by far than here. It is written by the historian Eusebius that Peter, the apostle of Christ, was executed under king Nero. First he was made to watch his wife executed and then it was his turn. Listen to how this went down. As he watched his wife led out to be killed he rejoiced as she was called home by her Lord and he called out to her by name encouraging her to remember him! Then when it was his turn they were going to hang him on a cross like Jesus. He asked them to hang him with his feet towards heaven because he wasn’t worthy to be hung as his Savior Jesus was.
Peter in his maturity rejoiced and considered it a privilege to suffer. Many others before and after him have suffered greatly for the name of Jesus. It’s happening today! As I’m writing this 17 followers of Christ are suffering from the hands of a gang in Haiti. 5 of them are children. Are we mature enough to rejoice in suffering? If you were to ask me I’m not sure I am. Dear Father, many suffer and die and it’s hard for us to understand. But we ask that if suffering were to come to us that we would rejoice at the privilege and give you praise because we know that it’s nothing compared to the life that awaits us!!
Have a great day. Love y’all