Thoughts for another day

June 18, 2012.

Today's verse: 2 Cor. 1:5  For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.  (KJV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

The Christian life simply means a life abounding in sufferings and afflictions.  Every follower of Jesus Christ is acquainted with suffering, for that's a part of His heritage in Him, as He Himself has been the owner of this heritage and He also says to us His disciples, 'If you wish to be My disciples, take up your cross and follow Me.' So you see, this "suffering" is not an option, but a necessity for everyone tuned to Christ and in following Him.

Many Christians are quite oblivious to this, as watching television channels and other means through which evangelists of well being and prosperity, bellow day in and out that God greatly Blesses and never allows His children to suffer and so on; and prosperity and wealth is the right of the Christian for Jesus said 'I have come to give life and life in abundance.'  But, did Christ say, 'I have come to give wealth and wealth in abundance?'  Did He at any time say 'if you follow me, you'll receive no pain and no suffering?'  If so, then why did He say 'you have to pick up your cross and follow Me?'  Or does it mean that a life of abundance has no suffering? My friend, I'm not against prosperity and wealth and well-being.  All I'm saying is that it's not the only thing in Christianity.  Suffering melds a Christian to the cross of Christ and enjoins him into a deep fellowship with the Lord.  He who suffers, becomes weak and then Christ becomes strong in Him. Besides, how else can faith be tested, if not in suffering?  So, if trials and other diverse temptations come our way, let's set our face like flint and stand in their face telling them that they've to face the Lord.

For a while you may suffer and suffer terribly at that, but eventually the sun will rise with healing in its wings and you'll find your consolation.  For Paul says, 'as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so will our consolation abound too, by Christ.'  Make no mistake, if we've suffered in His Name, He will also give us the consolation due to us for He our God, really doesn't like to see us suffer as one might deduce by human wisdom, rather He delights in that we suffer quietly and serenely when tried and still give Him praise and when He does set us free He doubles our blessings and exalts us for He is immensely pleased with us when He's tried us and found us to be with Him.