Sufferings Are NecessarySpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: It is God's plan that all those who seek Him should pass through sufferings. We have to take the narrow way as broad is the way that leads to hell. So, during perillous times, be patient. A large number of people used to participate in the training courses conducted for the Jesus Calls evangelists. When Bro.Dhinakaran tells them how God gave him power, the gifts of the Holy Spirit and Heavenly visions, they would all listen to him with rapt attention. When he goes on to say that he had all those experiences only after passing through several trials and sufferings, some would say, "How nice will it be if all these blessings could come to me without having to undergo any sufferings."
No my dear friend, it is God's plan that all those who seek Him should pass through so many sufferings. We have to travel by the narrow way. Broad is the way that leads to hell. If the Lord takes you along the path of pain and peril, be patient. At the proper time God will exhalt you. Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). He is the One who passed through all the ordeals of this world. So, grieve not. He knows all your pians and sorrows. He can release you from any predicament in which you may be caught.
"Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:34). I have seen some who are anxious over what may happen to them tomorrow. But, commit all your cares in the hands of Jesus who has borne all our sins and sorrows. The Bible says, in all your afflictions, He is afflicted (Isaiah 63:9).
In the Bible, when you read about the life of a young man named Joseph, you will see that God was with him. We see that even when he was in the prison, God ws with him (Genesis 39:21). The God of gods who created the heaven and the universe descended into the prison beacause His child was in prison. Do you suffer? Are you being tormented as if you were in a prison? Are you being crushed by tumult on all sides? Rememeber that the Lord is also being crushed along with you. You may ask, "Why should God be Joseph in prison? Can He not release him? Does not the Bible say, 'For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast' (Psalm 33:9). 'Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?' (Jeremiah 32:27)." It was His design that Joseph should pass through that tribulation. For two years, he was in prison. Joseph begged the Pharaoh's chief butler, "Remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this prison cell" (Genesis 40:14). But when the chief butler was restored back to his office, he completely forgot Joseph's request. That is human nature. But God never forgets.
When troubles arise, do not run seeking help from your relatives and friends. Run towards God. Bend your knees and talk to God. He will hear your prayers. He will not detest the afflictions of the afflicted. People may say, "That's a dreadful disease. Let none go near." But the Lord says, "My dear child, I will not despise you. I shed my precious blood and redeemed you. You belong to me. You are my child. I will help you and heal you."
Joseph held fast to the Lord. So God exalted him next to the king. He will exalt you too. All your sickness and ailments will disappear. He will wipe your tears, restore the breaches in your family and grant you His peace and joy. But it is His will that you should pass through such sufferings in life.
Read through the following verses.
"All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time." (1 Peter 5:6)
"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
"The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing." (Psalm 34:10)
Hold fast to the Lord and ask Him to fulfill the promises that He has given in your life. He will surely fulfill all your needs and grant your desires.
My dear friend, whatever sorrows you may have, do not weary. Commit yourself and your life to Him. Make a determination to lead a god-fearing life, holy in the sight of God. God will hear the prayers of the distressed like you. He will exalt you. The God whom we serve is the One who answers our prayers.
Prayer:
Precious loving Father,
When I go through the path of pain and suffering, help me to be steadfast in my faith like Joseph and teach me to lead a life that is pleasing to You. Strengthen me that I may not lose my faith and go astray from You. Strengthen me that I may face all perils, pains and sufferings in my life bravely, with You as the Lord of my life. Father, let Your will be done in my life. I humble myself before You. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray.
Amen. |