when tragedy strikes
why suffering?
the suffering of fools
temptations, tests, and trials
why does God test man, part one
testing and the education of life
what my cat taught me about testing, and trusting
why does God test man, part two
we are the clay
judging suffering
when we suffer: a warning
help when we hurt
flip the switch
the poetry of drawing near
hearts wounded by suffering
what my thimble taught me
pride: the hidden problem with hardness
portrait of a yielded heart
the poetry of a yielded heart
comfort when we suffer
taking comfort: psalm 42
the poetry of taking comfort
comfort, comfort, o my people
comfort as a mother comforts
a rabbit trail
the poetry of intimacy
God’s comforting presence
why don’t I feel God?
From my latest Voice of the Martyrs newsletter:
Chinese pastor Liu Ding writes: “The Lord told us that it’s a rough road following His path. It is a road where one has to take up his cross in order to follow Him. We soon began to face persecutions and pressure from the government. I can’t recall how many times I’ve been imprisoned because it was too many. The longest sentence I served was three years, but I also served many short detentions. Every time I was sent into prison, by God’s grace and protection, I was delivered out of it. I was labeled ‘non-repentant prisoner.’ I endured much hardship in prison … [including permanent painful and physical injuries which were inflicted on him to torture him] … I experienced too much of these, but I have to confess the most precious thing I have ever learned is the Lord suffered more than we did. My family has not fallen away in the midst of our suffering. Rather, we become bolder following the Lord. Now my children are in the ministry, and they inherit our wonderful examples following Him to the end. … I would like to tell those who would hear my testimony: Drink the cup that Jesus drinks, for a student is not above His teacher. Our light troubles are temporary, beatings are temporary, pain is also temporary, but eternity and joy are everlasting.”
Also, the September / October 2005 issue of Homeschooling Today contains the feature article The Healing Power of Suffering by Chris Klicka. Many of you know that Chris Klicka is one of the lead attorneys at HSLDA, and has endured a debilitating and life-threatening disease for some years now.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Jam 1:2-4
Dears, let us who have ears to hear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. Let us not fall away because of suffering, but let us rejoice that the Lord’s love for us is so great, that He allows these momentary, light afflictions to prepare us for the days ahead, so that in that day we will not fail or falter. We cannot see that day; He can. Let us trust Him and His great, good heart of love for us. Let us humble ourselves before Him, let go of the myth that this life should be heaven on earth, let go of hardness and bitterness, and let us yield our hearts to Him for discipline, correction, teaching, and training. We must graduate from boot camp, go out, and live for Him. Let us let the time which is past suffice for living for ourselves and our own demands.
The why suffering? series began with when tragedy strikes and concludes in the next post following this one, back from the abyss.
The comfort series began with comfort when we suffer and concluded in why don’t I feel God?
The feeling God series began with why don’t I feel God? and is my latest blog series, ongoing.
Leave a Reply