Suffering is an ocean I have been plunged
into countless times. I have been forced to learn how to swim because often I
would reach out to others to save me from drowning and no hand would grab mine.
Many times my suffering would be as a result of choices I have made and other
times it would be because of someone who unexpectedly pushed me off the edge
for whatever reason. I know that you can very much so relate to this.
Before I began to pursue my relationship
with God I would run to others for help, or I would indulge in food or series
or books or shopping or gym. I would mostly indulge in self-pity: “Why is this
happening to me? I am not such a bad person, why am I then being punished like
this? Am I supposed to try harder? I am not enough? Cause surely if I was
enough things would be easier. If God liked me more he wouldn't have let this
happen or He would at least make this pain stop.” Sounds familiar?
Then, in my relationship with God, He
revealed to me that He NEVER said that being a Believer meant only having
things easy. In fact, He promised that this world WILL throw you into the ocean
– whether you believe or not. The difference
is that if you believe, He can help you. I mean, you won’t reach out to someone
for help if you don’t believe they exist.
Jesus said: “Take my yoke upon you, (Insert
your name here). Let me teach you, because I am a humble and gentle heart, and
you will find rest for your soul. My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I
give you is light.” Mat11:28-30
This is Him inviting YOU. He wants to take
your hurt and make it easier to bear. You will still carry a yoke, but He
promises that it will be light! Now who wouldn’t want to accept an offer like
that?!
“The righteous person faces many troubles,
but the Lord comes and rescues EACH TIME.” Psalm34:19
“Your promise revives me; it comforts me in
all my troubles.” Psalm 119:50
“In
this world you WILL have troubles. But take heart! (but
don’t worry; have hope; be encouraged)
For I (who live in you) have
conquered the world.” John16:33
Jesus was rejected, abandoned, insulted,
physically abused, betrayed, lied to, etc. EVERY kind of suffering YOU have
experienced, Jesus also experienced it. And He did it so that YOU can realize
that if He can survive all of that, then SO CAN YOU, because He lives IN YOU. He
overcame everything this world can possibly throw at us. He was victorious over
the one thing that all humans fear – death. How can we then allow troubles (of
all kinds and degrees) to defeat us so easily if He is on our side?
We
are not fighting FOR victory.
We
are fighting FROM victory.
Nothing has the power to steal your hope.
Your JOY. Your dreams and passions. NOTHING.
How long still do you want to continue to
suffer on your own by indulging in things that are like fast food: they are satisfying in the beginning, but in the long
run they make you sick and fat and results in you sinking deeper into the
ocean.
OR, do you want to allow God to guide you
in your suffering and help you carry your yoke. This is like healthy food: It’s nutritious, and
keeps you light. AND, because God is the chef, this food will not only keep you
from drowning, but it will let you walk on water.
We
ALL suffer,
but how you will survive
is a CHOICE
that YOU have to make.
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| This is a little reminder on my wall of what God wants to be and do for me in hard times. Go Listen to this AMAZING song! If you are going through a tough time, make this your anthem!! God of Angel Armies - Chris Tomlin |
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