Suffering tends to produce loneliness.
We feel lonely, isolated, sealed off, and detached from others. It is common
for us to believe that no one understands our pain.
We can be deceived into thinking that
God is distant and uncaring. While I do not wish to invalidate these emotions,
I do want to extinguish the lie that the sufferer is ever alone. We are never
alone in suffering because in it we join other in the pattern of righteous
suffering that has been going on from the inception of salvation history.
Do you feel lonely in your suffering?
Does it seem that God is distant and has detached himself from your pain? Do
you feel disappointment, bewilderment, or dismay? Are you sitting in darkness,
searching for answers and grasping for hope?
Ten Principles for
Enduring Suffering
1.
Don’t forget why you are suffering. Remember your purpose
and Whom you serve! The Apostle Paul said he was willing to suffer for the
proclamation of the Gospel, for the sake of the elect, and for the glory of
God. Our suffering, big or little, can be used to bring about the same
purposes. 2 Tim 2:8-9
2. Remember that you are a prisoner of Christ, not of your circumstances or other people. 2 Tim 1:8
3. Keep going back to the things you know to be true from God’s Word. Don’t doubt in the dark what you have seen in the light. Remember what you received as a result of your salvation in Christ 2 Tim. 1:15 Remember your calling and the grace of God 2 Tim 1:1,9-13
4.
Keep doing whatever God has called you to do. Persevere, stay the course, and be
faithful, regardless of any opposition or hardship. 2 Tim. 4:1-5
Dominic C.C (ISMN)
Stay tuned for the remaining principles...you wouldn't want to miss it
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