I got this really nice article while browsing the web. It talks about suffering and its relationship with God’s work. Are you suffering from something right now? Are you asking God why are you in that burden? This article perhaps can answer this question.
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
Author: Jack Wellman
Why does God allow suffering that He is fully capable to stopping? This question has not only challenged Christians, but anyone. To witness histories or current atrocities and worldwide suffering on such catastrophic levels, can be a major stumbling block even for believers in Christ, not to mention atheists or agnostics. If God is “supposed to be an all-powerful and all-loving God, then why doesn’t He stop it? Is He powerless, is He tired, is He even there…or maybe He’s asleep.”
Being a Christian is no insurance against cancer, disease, disability, and an unexpected death. In fact, Jesus clearly stated that we will suffer. I have searched many theologians, pastors, and books, and have finally discovered this: God’s ways are past our finding out and beyond human comprehension. No human can ever wrap their mind around What and Who God is. that is precisely what makes Him God. There is infinity in Him. We are simply finite. The answers to our questions may not be answered until Christ returns for us, or in the way we expect, or what seems best to us.
It is inferred that God knew we would encounter great trials and tribulations in this life, since He knows the future and is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent. He must have known that the fall of man would produce a fallen world. But what if life were perfect, with no problems at all for anybody? Human nature being what it is may think “who need’s God?”. Everyone everywhere would have had all of their needs met. No one would be in need of anything. Trials can sometimes drive people to their knees and to the acknowledgement of their need for God. There are storms of correction and there are storms of perfection. Either way, God hears your cries, knows your sorrows (Ex. 3:7) and listens to your groans (Ex. 6:5).
Jesus was called a Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief in every way (Ish. 53.3). Jesus certainly groaned, He wept, and He was sorrowful when He saw suffering. Even the earth groans and travails earnestly in a state of decay while awaiting it’s own redemption, which will come with the manifestation (or appearance) of the sons of God [that would be us] (Rom. 8:22-23).In several continents, like India, Africa, and others, where multiple thousands of innocent children have died, why didn’t God intervene? God could intervene first and prevent it but He chooses not too.
Man was the one who decided that he would make his own choices in the Garden of Eden and even today in most of the world’s society. But for the sake of argument, let’s say God did prevent it. Great, but then, over in Asia, there is a Communist regime that choose guns over grain. Should He not address this next? Then there are those rich people, then those people, ……just fill in the blanks. Knowing human nature as it is, there will always be one more issue that needs to be resolved and as a result, freedom of choice or free-will would be lost. If we are given no choice, humans will rebel as evidenced by Democracy sweeping over parts of the world. If we have no free-will, we would simply be robots programmed to obey. Like Plavlov’s Dogs, conditionally trained to respond when the bell rang for food.It is a human tendency to want to be free, free to make decisions and to be free, moral agents. But it comes at an enormous cost…consequences.
There is both good and evil in the world. People will make both good and bad decisions. Human history has shown where freedom of choice is missing, rebellion is likely. Maybe not at first….those people over there needed to be punished. But if the correction starts hitting closer to home, then we take it as a personal affront to our right of freedom. You can not have it both ways. Interfere where others are concerned, but don’t mess with my personal freedom to make choices. I am a father and grandfather, and now that most of my children have grown and gone (save one), I can no longer influence or correct them. They are now legal adults.
When a child is in infancy, a parent is akin to being their like a god (what I mean is that they are fully dependent upon them for even their life). Babies depend on them for survival, clothing, shelter, food…life. Without parental care, the child would die. My wife and I made most of the choices for our young children, but as they got older, they had more personal freedoms. Having complete and total control would stifle their decision making and damage their self-esteem in the late teen years. And by allowing their adult children to make their own decisions, and yes, make mistakes too, they will feel free to seek godly counsel from their parents who will not give them a lecture or “I told you so”. That old “safe zone” will feel warm and comfortable, not like feeling “brow beaten” with advice crammed down their throat. The result of that might be being ex-communicated from them.
In my counseling of families as a Case Manager for the SRS, I discovered that there are really 3 types of parents. The drill sergeant, “my way or the highway”, the search and rescue pilot, “quick, grab the rope, I’m here to save you since you can not”, and the consultant, “Wow, you really are having a problem, good luck with it, let me know what I can do for you…I have been in a similar position before”. I prefer the consultant approach, giving limited choices, and allowing them to make some decisions for themselves. Yes, I saw them make a lot of mistakes and they’re still making them, but I have realized that I must resist the urge to interfere or intervene. If I interfere, I thwart their growth or worse, have them cut off their relationship with me. If it is their idea to ask for help, they are more likely to respond to that advice. God is in that position over mankind and mankind responds like children sometimes do and make a wrong choice, but God will not force us into Heaven against our will.
Throughout most of human history, families have leaned toward large families due to the high mortality rate. For example, many families in the 18th and 19th centuries knew in advance that some of their children would be stillborn, die in infancy or from childhood diseases, but they had them anyway. I too knew in advance that when my wife and I considered having children that they would come into a world with pain, suffering, shortages in food, water, fuel, etc, not at all close to perfect. We had them anyway. They were worth the risk. And what joy we have now. But no one has suffered like the Messiah. The most unjust, unusually cruel, humiliating, brutal and torturous death of Jesus Christ was the most unfair thing of all. He didn’t do anything worthy of death. He was (and is) perfect. Those stripes should have been ours. Why did God allow such terrible suffering to His Son? To pay a penalty that we could never pay for ourselves…that of atoning for our sins and enabling us to have a relationship with God that sin had heretofore made impossible. He is far too Holy for a sinner to approach Him.
According to the majority of ancient Historians, no human ever suffered to the extent that Jesus Christ did. His death was the greatest travesty of justice that has ever or ever will occur in history. Because God so loved us, He even sacrificed His One and Only Son, so that we could have relationship with Him, forever (John 3:16-18). That was not fair to Jesus, or to us since we deserved eternal punishment, but that is exactly why the Father allowed His Son to suffer and die. Just how excruciating was His death? Read Isaiah 52: 10-15 and 53: 1-12.
By the way, mankind is not off the hook; we should ask ourselves why we allowing suffering? Man has the capacity and means to alleviate much of it. For instance, there is sufficient wealth in the world to almost wipe out hunger. We can we fly to moon but many are homeless, we can split an atom but we can’t part with our money, we can cure cancer but not poverty. It is interesting to note that there is sufficient global wealth, that if it were properly distributed, every family would make about 42 thousand dollars a year (Worldwide GNP 2006)!
Another thing to consider is that trials purify our faith (I Pet. 1:7), sorrow keeps us in a humble attitude (II Cor. 7:10), allow us to fellowship with Jesus (Philp. 3:10), be partakers of His sufferings (I Pet. 4:13), and partakers of His reign (II Tim. 2:12). So our suffering is nothing compared to what Jesus endured, but it is to be revealed in us in glory and honor at His appearance (I Pet. 1:7, Rom 8:18). “Our light affliction is but for a moment, works (this is a verb, an action) in us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (II Cor. 4:17). And compared with the glory we’ll encounter in Heaven, we’ll look back on our problems and think, why did I worry so much (Rom 8:18)? In II Corinthians, 1:3-7, God answers (through Paul) at least in part, as to why He allows suffering, even with Christians.
The Good News Bible explains part of that purpose, “Let us give thanks to ….the God from whom all help comes! He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles (here is one reason), using the same kind of help that we ourselves have received from God. Just as we have a share in Christ’s many sufferings (yet another purpose), so also through Christ we share in God’s great help. If we suffer, it is for your help and salvation; if we are helped, then you too are helped and given the strength to endure with patience (another reason) the same sufferings that we also endure. So our hope in you is never shaken; we know that just as you share in our sufferings, you also share in the help we receive (another reason, this one helps the church). Even Jesus momentarily felt forsaken saying “My God, My God, why have You abandon me?(Good News Mark 15:34)”.
Jeremiah, the so called “the weeping prophet”, was one of several prophets and thousands of saints who wanted to just give up and die. They couldn’t take it anymore, but they and you are sharing in the sufferings of Jesus, church members, Ezekiel, and a host of others. Suffering and misery love company, and if you have suffered or currently are suffering (and what Christian hasn’t), you are in most excellent company. And it creates an utter dependence upon God, which is what He wants us to do.It is not written anywhere that life is fair, including the Bible. Christians seem to get what the un-saved deserve and the sinner receives what the saints seem due (Eccl. 8:14).
Regardless of which injustices and unfairness occurs, it’s beyond our ability to understand why some suffer un-rightly while others who do wicked prosper. Even though this question has been examined over hundreds of years, mankind just can’t comprehend what God is doing behind the scenes (Eccl. 8:17). Even if an old, wise and experienced theologian claims to know full well the reasons why people suffer, don’t believe it (Eccl. 3:17). We can’t even explain al l of our miseries or even know the exact day that we’ll die (Eccl. 8:6-8). However, the children of God can depend on and have faith in His promise that no harm will come to us (Eccl. 8:5).
I will not claim that this article explains it all…I would be lying if I did. For the children of God, this will all make perfect sense someday, but today it remains hidden. Even so, we can rest assured that the reason will be made clear and that all things will work out for our best (Rom. 8:28). I have ask myself this question, since I suffer physical ailments (fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, severe allergy and migrane headaches, etc.) even though I’ve been born again and I attend church regularly, faithfully tithe, help the poor, etc., But those are just a pile of filthy rags (works). My own works can never guarantee that I won’t suffer.
There is something bigger going on here that I can not yet see. I must simply be still and know that He is God, He is in charge and He has a plan that is exactly the best for me (Psl. 46.10). When I was young and got sick, I remember taking caster oil and it going down very hard. Yuck, it was terrible…and I had no clue about how this was supposed to help, but help it did. As hard as things are to swallow sometimes, I only later realized that it was the best thing for me. I must learn to think of that Great Day, when this old tent (tabernacle) will be thrown off for an eternal body…my mortality will be swallowed up by the Spirit’s quickening and immortality (II Cor 5:2).
Enduring is made more bearable when you know that you suffer with Jesus or another Christian friend…someone who knows what you are going through and understands. This helps you cope with it better. And God certainly gives us the strength and courage we need to go through things, since He declares He will be an ever-present help when we are in trouble (Pslm. 46:1). It is not all your responsibility…It is your response to His ability.?
Every good father corrects his children because he loves them and wants what is best for them. God the Father corrects and chastises every child He loves. Don’t take it too personal because trials may be storms of correction or storms of perfection, as the late Adrian Rogers put it so well. As for me, I’ve got much dross to burn off, but He is in the refining business anyway. For born-again Christians, suffering is actually a good thing and a God-thing. He is not causing it, but allowing it. This is a fallen world. But the Father desires to have relationship with you and to give you the ability to carry on. In fact, God so passionately desires to give you eternal life, that He allowed His Son to endure the greatest suffering that any human has ever experienced. That was the most unfair thing that has ever happened! Jesus horrible death paid our debt so that we could have joy in the fellowship with the Most High forever. If you are not already born again, you can become a child of God right now & any present day suffering can be turned into eternal joy someday.
HOW TO RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE
I Admit – that I am a sinner and in need of a Savior,
I Abandon – self-effort & realize I can not be saved by my works or efforts,
I Accept freely Christ’s payment for my sins, required of the Father,
I Acknowledge Jesus Christ as my personal lord and Savior.
About the Author:
I am a Christian author of 2 books, “Do Babies Go To Heaven?”, & “Blind Chance or Intelligent Design?, Empirical Methodologies & the Bible” and freelance Christian Apologetics writer. Am also a father & grandfather (x3) with a BA in history, with degrees in Education & minor in Theology.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Why Does God Allow Suffering?
THANK YOU LORD FOR ALL THE BLESSING AND FAVORS. THANK YOU LORD FOR DYING FOR MY SINS…PLEASE HELP ME TO BE MORE LIKE YOU DAY BY DAY. HOLY SPIRIT GUIDE ME TO UNDERSTNAD THE HARDSHIP IN LIFE..I KNOW YOU I CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS BECAUSE YOU ARE MY REGUSE. THANK YOU LORD FOR A FULFILLED LIFE. THANK YOU JESUS.
Very appropriate for those doubting God’s love and mercy when in the midst of evil, pains, and sufferings:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRYGJlv3Zsg&feature=related
A part of the following clip is very related to the apologetics of the question being posed here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfE6pKCzSTU&feature=related
Isaiah – Chapter 53
1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, [there is] no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither [was any] deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Matthew Henry’s commentary for Isaiah Chapter 53:
The person. (1-3) sufferings. (4-9) humiliation, and exaltation of Christ, are minutely described; with the blessings to mankind from his death. (10-12)1-3 No where in all the Old Testament is it so plainly and fully prophesied, that Christ ought to suffer, and then to enter into his glory, as in this chapter. But to this day few discern, or will acknowledge, that Divine power which goes with the word. The authentic and most important report of salvation for sinners, through the Son of God, is disregarded. The low condition he submitted to, and his appearance in the world, were not agreeable to the ideas the Jews had formed of the Messiah. It was expected that he should come in pomp; instead of that, he grew up as a plant, silently, and insensibly. He had nothing of the glory which one might have thought to meet with him. His whole life was not only humble as to outward condition, but also sorrowful. Being made sin for us, he underwent the sentence sin had exposed us to. Carnal hearts see nothing in the Lord Jesus to desire an interest in him. Alas! by how many is he still despised in his people, and rejected as to his doctrine and authority! 4-9 In these verses is an account of the sufferings of Christ; also of the design of his sufferings. It was for our sins, and in our stead, that our Lord Jesus suffered. We have all sinned, and have come short of the glory of God. Sinners have their beloved sin, their own evil way, of which they are fond. Our sins deserve all griefs and sorrows, even the most severe. We are saved from the ruin, to which by sin we become liable, by laying our sins on Christ. This atonement was to be made for our sins. And this is the only way of salvation. Our sins were the thorns in Christ’s head, the nails in his hands and feet, the spear in his side. He was delivered to death for our offences. By his sufferings he purchased for us the Spirit and grace of God, to mortify our corruptions, which are the distempers of our souls. We may well endure our lighter sufferings, if He has taught us to esteem all things but loss for him, and to love him who has first loved us. 10-12 Come, and see how Christ loved us! We could not put him in our stead, but he put himself. Thus he took away the sin of the world, by taking it on himself. He made himself subject to death, which to us is the wages of sin. Observe the graces and glories of his state of exaltation. Christ will not commit the care of his family to any other. God’s purposes shall take effect. And whatever is undertaken according to God’s pleasure shall prosper. He shall see it accomplished in the conversion and salvation of sinners. There are many whom Christ justifies, even as many as he gave his life a ransom for. By faith we are justified; thus God is most glorified, free grace most advanced, self most abased, and our happiness secured. We must know him, and believe in him, as one that bore our sins, and saved us from sinking under the load, by taking it upon himself. Sin and Satan, death and hell, the world and the flesh, are the strong foes he has vanquished. What God designed for the Redeemer he shall certainly possess. When he led captivity captive, he received gifts for men, that he might give gifts to men. While we survey the sufferings of the Son of God, let us remember our long catalogue of transgressions, and consider him as suffering under the load of our guilt. Here is laid a firm foundation for the trembling sinner to rest his soul upon. We are the purchase of his blood, and the monuments of his grace; for this he continually pleads and prevails, destroying the works of the devil.
Isaiah 53:10
Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
View Wesley’s Notes for Isaiah 53:10
53:10 He – God was the principal cause of all his sufferings, tho’ mens sins were the deserving cause. When – When thou, O God, shalt have made, thy son a sacrifice, by giving him up to death for the atonement of mens sins. His soul is here put for his life, or for himself. Shall see – He shall have a numerous issue of believers reconciled by God, and saved by his death. Prolong – He shall live and reign with God for ever. The pleasure – God’s gracious decree for the salvation of mankind shall be effectually carried on by his ministry and mediation.
A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD
“God is our Refuge and Strength, a very present Help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9AoELpPryk&feature=related
Words & Music: Martin Luther, 1529 (MIDI, score); translated from German to English by Frederic H. Hedge, 1853.
This song has been called “the greatest hymn of the greatest man of the greatest period of German history” and the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation.”
This hymn was sung at the funeral of American president Dwight Eisenhower at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, March 1969.
[Frederic H. Hedge (1805-1890)]
In 1720 a remarkable revival began in a town in Moravia. Jesuits opposed it, and the meetings were prohibited. Those who still assembled were seized and imprisoned in stables and cellars. At David Nitschmann’s house, where a hundred and fifty persons gathered, the police broke in and seized the books. Not dismayed, the congregation struck up the stanzas of Luther’s hymn,
“And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.”
Twenty heads of families were for this sent to jail, including Nitschmann, who was treated with special severity. He finally escaped, fled to the Moravians at Herrnhut, became a bishop, and afterwards joined the Wesleys in 1735 in their expedition to Savannah, Georgia.
Sankey, p. 106
*****************************************************
A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He,
amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear,
for God hath willed His truth
to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers,
no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.
Alternate translation:
A mighty fortress is our God,
a trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from every need
that hath us now overtaken.
The old evil foe now means deadly woe;
deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight;
on Earth is not his equal.
With might of ours can naught be done,
soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the Valiant One,
whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, who is this?
Jesus Christ it is.
Of Sabbath Lord,
and there’s none other God;
He holds the field forever.
Though devils all the world should fill,
all eager to devour us.
We tremble not, we fear no ill,
they shall not overpower us.
This world’s prince may still scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none, he’s judged;
the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.
The Word they still shall let remain
nor any thanks have for it;
He’s by our side upon the plain
with His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life, goods, fame, child and wife,
Let these all be gone, they yet have nothing won;
The Kingdom ours remaineth.
WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0Hz4OAVfWE&feature=related
Words: Joseph M. Scriven, 1855. Scriven wrote this hymn to comfort his mother, who was across the sea from him in Ireland. It was originally published anonymously, and Scriven did not receive full credit for almost 30 years.
Music: Erie, Charles C. Converse, 1868 (MIDI, score). In World War I, the tune was paired with the words to “When This Bloody War is Over.” Alternate tunes:
* Beecher, John Zundel, 1870 (MIDI, score)
* Blaenwern, William P. Rowlands, 1905 (MIDI, score)
* Friend, George C. Stebbins, 1878 (MIDI, score)
If you have access to a better photo of Joseph Scriven or Charles Converse that we could put online, please click here.
[Joseph M. Scriven (1819-1886)]
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge,
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord,
be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded
there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship
will be our sweet portion there.
A SHELTER IN THE TIME OF STORM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zj3Yv6QJOc&NR=1
“You have been…a shelter from the storm.” Isaiah 25:4
Words: Vernon J. Charlesworth, circa 1880.
Music: Ira D. Sankey, circa 1885 (MIDI, score):
I found this hymn in a small paper published in London, called “The Postman.” It was said to be a favorite song of the fisherman on the north coast of England, and they were often heard singing it as they approached their harbors in the time of storm. As the hymn was set to weird minor tune, I decided to compose one that would be more practical, one that could be more easily sung by the people.
Sankey, pp. 106-7
If you have access to a photo of Vernon Charlesworth that we could put online, please click here.
The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
A shade by day, defense by night,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes afright,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain
The raging storms may round us beat,
A Shelter in the time of storm
We’ll never leave our safe retreat,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain
O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our Helper ever near,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain
No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4De9Gc5TI8
Charles Weigle was an Itinerant evangelist. One day after preaching at a gospel crusade, he came home to find a note from his wife. She did not care for the life she led because of being an evangelist’s wife and she was leaving him. The next few years were a time of despair for Weigle. He even wondered if anyone really cared for him. After a time, his faith was again restored and he became active for the Lord again. During this time he wanted to put to paper a song that would share the feelings he had experienced while during his despondent days. From his heart came the words and the tune for the hymn,
“No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus
Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true;
I would tell you how He changed my life completely –
He did something that no other friend could do.
chorus:
No one ever cared for me like Jesus;
There’s no other friend so kind as He;
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me –
O how much He cared for me!
All my life was full of sin when Jesus found me;
All my heart was full of misery and woe;
Jesus placed His strong and loving arms around me,
And He led me in the way I ought to go.
Every day He comes to me with new assurance,
More and more I understand His words of love;
But I’ll never know just why He came to save me,
Till some day I see His blessed face above.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH DISCOMFORT
from: http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2007/09/17/may-god-bless-you-with-discomfort/
Scott Rodgers from our Mesa Campus sent this to me.
It is from a Franciscan Benediction…
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain in to joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.
How is God blessing you?
This entry was posted on Monday, September 17th, 2007 at 5:42 am and is filed under church, spiritual development. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
…you’ve been blessed with a burden…
from: http://connexionpastor.typepad.com/connexion_god_community_a/2007/07/youve-been-bles.html
It’s a line from the movie Freedom Writers. A dad is consoling his daughter. He says, “You’ve been BLESSED with a BURDEN.” He goes on to say that she is his hero because of what she’s done with her life.
Most of us struggle with tragedy or difficulty. We cry. We hurt. We retreat. Very few people are able to turn into the face of something difficult. Very few people are like Erin, the teacher in Freedom Writers. She made difficulty her passion – something to conquer! It’s human to try to make sense of everything in our world, but the honest truth is that sometimes things just don’t make sense. Why do good people face cancer, or lose a job while mean people succeed?
I think as believers we have a double blessing… I definitely think there is a blessing in being burdened – about having something in your life that you are passionate about – but as a follower of Christ I also can take refuge in God. I can rest in him. I can know that with anything I face, no matter how hard, I am his child and he stands beside me, next to me, and often he carries me.
Comments
Mark N.
Hello. I recently watched this film and I thought it was well-produced and many aspects of it, including the quote you’ve touched on here, were very thought provoking and inspiring.
I think the quote is good, especially when we consider that a burden given to us by God, is really a blessing. And must often, the people who are the most faithful servants are God, are the ones who have that sort of heavy burden for what they are doing.
On the other hand, in reflecting on the story. I’m struck with the fact that while Erin really did accomplish some amazing things, the way she went about it was ultimately sinful and self-destructive. A single man or woman has much greater latitude to go out and dedicate them more completely for causes such as these without having other priorities (such as the spouses needs) to consider.
However, if a man and woman are in the covenantal union, it is said of them that they mutually have authority over each others bodies. And no pursuit should be allowed to put a wedge between them, in the way which occurred in this film. For all the noble things Erin accomplished, she did it at the cost of marital infidelity, which is far too much of price to pay for any good she accomplished. Essentially she was cheating on her husband in a sugar-coated way. The husband seems to be a mix between indifference and compassion. He obviously reacts to the situation wrongly, but his assessment of it seems to be right on.
Of course, there are many circumstances where consuming pursuits like Erin’s do work out wonderfully in a marriage. So the issue isn’t that she wanted that, but rather how she went about choosing it over her husband.
Anyways, I’m not saying the film is bad, nor am I discounting the good quote from it, I just want to add some perspective. It is good to watch movies prepared to both learn from the good and bad examples therein. And that includes sometimes seeing through the idealization of a character who isn’t really as ideal as portrayed.
Posted by: Mark N. | November 24, 2007 at 09:17 PM
The Blessing of Burdens
from: http://www.speedyadverts.com/SAPromotions/html/jun01.html
Most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
There’s a story about an old grandfather clock that had stood for three generations in the same corner of a room, faithfully ticking off the minutes and hours, day after day. In the clock was a heavy weight that was pulled to the top each night to keep it running.
Then one day the clock was sold, and the new owner noticed the heavy weight. “Too bad,” he said, “that such an old clock should have to bear so great a load.” So he took the weight off the chain. At once the clock stopped ticking.
“Why did you do that?” asked the clock.
“I wanted to lighten your burden,” said the man.
“Please put it back,” said the clock. “That’s what keeps me going!”
Most people are looking for an easy way through life. They think that if they had no burdens they could live pleasantly and triumphantly. They don’t realise that God often keeps us going spiritually by the weights that seem to pull us down. Trials can give our feet spiritual traction. Our burdens not only bring us blessing in this life, but they also are “working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17). –HGB
One day at a time, and the day is His day:
He has numbered its hours, though they haste or delay,
His grace is sufficient; we walk not alone;
As the day, so the strength that He gives to His own! –Flint
The heavier the load, the better the traction.
THE BLESSING OF BURDENS
from: http://witnessesforchrist.com/html/the_blessing_of_burdens.html
2 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore I am well content with weaknesses,…with distresses,…with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Sadhu Sundar Singh, a Hindu convert to Christianity, became a missionary to his people in India. Late one afternoon Sadhu was traveling on foot through the Himalayas with a Buddhist monk. It was bitterly cold and the wind felt like sharp blades slicing into their skins. Night was fast approaching when the monk warned Sadhu that they were in danger of freezing to death if they did not reach the monastery before darkness fell.
Suddenly, on a narrow path above a steep precipice, they heard a cry for help. At the foot of the cliff lay a man, fallen and badly hurt. The monk looked at Sadhu and said, “Do not stop. God has brought this man to his fate. He must work it out for himself. Let us hurry on before we, too, perish.”
But Sadhu replied, “God has sent me here to help my brother. I cannot abandon him.”
The monk continued trudging off through the whirling snow, while the missionary clambered down the steep embankment. The injured man’s leg was broken and he could not walk, so Sadhu made a sling of his blanket and tied the man on his back. With great difficulty he climbed back up the cliff, drenched by now in perspiration.
Doggedly, Sadhu made his way through the deepening snow and darkness. It was all he could do to follow the path. But he persevered, though faint with fatigue and overheated from exertion. Finally, he saw ahead the lights of the monastery.
Then, for the first time, Sadhu stumbled and nearly fell. But not from weakness. He had stumbled over an object lying in the snow-covered road. Slowly he bent down on one knee and brushed the snow off the object. It was the body of the monk, frozen to death.
Years later a disciple of Sadhu’s asked him, “What is life’s most difficult task?”
Without hesitation Sadhu replied: “To have no burden to carry.”
Just imagine God’s so great infinity and immensity that space and time can’t contain, as can be imagined here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FStBLkj8mmE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGi8xJkw138
yet, despite our utter smallness like a speckle of dust in the universe’s great expanse, His words so said in:
Psalms 8:4
What is man, that thou art MINDFUL of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psalms 111:5
He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be MINDFUL of his covenant.
Psalms 115:12
The LORD hath been MINDFUL of us: he will bless [us]; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.
and so as for Him to tell or command us:
Psalms 55:22
Cast thy BURDEN upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Matthew 11:30
For my yoke [is] easy, and my BURDEN is light.
since His care and concerns for us, even in the midst of sufferings, are much greater than His care and concern of the sparrows, as He said in:
Matthew 10:29
Are not two SPARROWS sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
Matthew 10:31
Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many SPARROWS.
Luke 12:6
Are not five SPARROWS sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
Luke 12:7
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many SPARROWS.
clearly sung in:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7Pk5YMkEcg&feature=PlayList&p=96248E52290405EE&index=0&playnext=1
He is the “mysterium tremendum” or “tremendous mystery”, that even knowing His name should strike reverential fear on the inquirer of even His very holy Name, which should not be taken in vain, as He commanded in the Law of Moses!
Trying to really “know” Him with our finite minds can boggle the mind with His awesome mysteriousnesses!
When Moses asked God his simple question what is the name of God is, He answered:
“I AM WHAT I AM!”
which actually means He is actually undefinable, beyond descriptions by words or language, and trying to know His real and essential name is none of mankind’s business. In other words, His answer about His “Name” actually opened up more of a flood of questions related to His transcendent nature uncapturable by mere words or language!
In the ancient times, asking and knowing another person’s name gave the inquirer some sense of control over the one who owns the name. That’s why, pagans repetitiously call on the name(s) of their god(s) so that the petitioner(s) can somehow control and manipulate their god(s) to give them blessings. In the case of the struggle between Jacob and God, God never gave Jacob His name, because God did not want Jacob to manipulate nor control Him. However, He still gave Jacob such great blessings to Jacob, which pagans, which Jacob may still had been at that time, usually beg of their god(s) in their struggles and sufferings with their existence.
The believers can sometimes become like Jacob to endlessly beg and nag at God with their complaints and struggles with Him, but God never want Himself be manipulated nor controlled by the demands and expectations of His followers, since He blesses them, inspite of their struggles and sufferings!
When Jacob wrestled with God, and asked for His name, He did not answer Jacob of his very simple question, as what we can read in:
Genesis 32:24-30
24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
27 And he said unto him, What [is] thy name? And he said, Jacob.
28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
29 And Jacob asked [him], and said, Tell [me], I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore [is] it [that] thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
Particularly focusing at:
Genesis 32:29
And Jacob asked [him], and said, Tell [me], I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore [is] it [that] thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
View Wesley’s Notes for Genesis 32:29, which represents the believers’ struggling with God:
32:29 Wherefore dost thou ask after my name? – What good will it do thee to know that? The discovery of that was reserved for his death – bed, upon which he was taught to call him Shiloh. But instead of telling him his name, he gave him his blessing, which was the thing he wrestled for; he blessed him there, repeated and ratified the blessing formerly given him. See how wonderfully God condescends to countenance and crown importunate prayer? Those that resolve though God slay them, yet to trust in him, will at length be more than conquerors.
Psalms 10:11
He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he HIDeth his face; he will never see [it].
Psalms 13:1
How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou HIDe thy face from me?
Psalms 27:9
HIDe not thy face [far] from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
Psalms 30:7
LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst HIDe thy face, [and] I was troubled.
Psalms 55:1
Give ear to my prayer, O God; and HIDe not thyself from my supplication.
Psalms 69:17
And HIDe not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.
Psalms 88:14
LORD, why castest thou off my soul? [why] HIDest thou thy face from me?
Psalms 89:46
How long, LORD? wilt thou HIDe thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?
Psalms 102:2
HIDe not thy face from me in the day [when] I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day [when] I call answer me speedily.
Psalms 104:29
Thou HIDest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.
Psalms 119:19
I [am] a stranger in the earth: HIDe not thy commandments from me.
Psalms 143:7
Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: HIDe not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
Psalms 143:9
Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to HIDe me.
Job 13:24
Wherefore HIDESt thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy?
Psalms 10:1
Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? [why] HIDESt thou [thyself] in times of trouble?
Psalms 44:24
Wherefore HIDESt thou thy face, [and] forgettest our affliction and our oppression?
Psalms 88:14
LORD, why castest thou off my soul? [why] HIDESt thou thy face from me?
Psalms 104:29
Thou HIDESt thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.
Isaiah 45:15
Verily thou [art] a God that HIDESt thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.
And sufferings can confirm faith, which believes INSPITE OF SUFFERINGS, not BECAUSE OF SUFFERINGS!!!
The most eloquent answer to that question:
WHY DOES GOD ALLOW EVIL AND SUFFERING?
is simply to look at Jesus hanging on the cross!!
If He didn’t spare His own beloved Son from evil and suffering, then why would He spare the rest of us from evil and suffering???
Psalms 78:50
He made a way to his anger; he SPARED NOT their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence;
Romans 8:32
He that SPARED NOT his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Romans 11:21
For if God SPARED NOT the natural branches, [take heed] lest he also spare not thee.
2 Peter 2:4
For if God SPARED NOT the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
2 Peter 2:5
And SPARED NOT the old world, but saved Noah the eighth [person], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
John 21:25
And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not CONTAIN the books that should be written. Amen.
Sometimes, His silences are more eloquent than His words!!
God is the God of the Gaps — He fills up with His undefinable awesomeness all those unexplainable, unanswerable, unimaginable gaps and mysteries of the natural and spiritual universes!!!
Even those who can endlessly ask and complain to God would be silenced with His:
“I AM WHAT I AM … I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE!”
Job, with his righteous complaints, was very critical of why God allows evil and suffering, even to good people like him. He was ignorant of the real reasons behind his own sufferings, and only when God gave him His divine perspectives with His barage of penetrating and perspicacious questions, that Job can answer back, but bow down in worship!!!! God vindicated Himself and Job from Satan’s mocking challenge by using Job’s sufferings to teach the believer that God allows sufferings, because they have some underlying meaning that only He can give.
Psalms 34:19
Many [are] the AFFLICTIONS of the righteous:
but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
God is never obliged to answer all our questions, petitions, prayers, etc…. He’s the Ultimate Sovereign, the mysterious transcendent being that our finite minds can never comprehend His complexities, wrapped inside enigmas, surrounded by the shoreless sea of perplexities!!
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-8059991273314767024&hl=en#
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-206887275399093528&hl=en&emb=1#
Psalms 18:11
He made darkness his SECRET place; his pavilion round about him [were] dark waters [and] thick clouds of the skies.
Psalms 25:14
The SECRET of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Proverbs 3:32
For the froward [is] abomination to the LORD: but his SECRET [is] with the righteous.
Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret [things belong] unto the LORD our God: but those [things which are] REVEALED [belong] unto us and to our children for ever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.
Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his SECRET unto his servants the prophets.
Daniel 2:22
He revealeth the deep and SECRET things: he knoweth what [is] in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.
Daniel 2:47
The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth [it is], that your God [is] a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of SECRETs, seeing thou couldest reveal this SECRET.
Matthew 13:35
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept SECRET from the foundation of the world.
Mark 4:22
For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept SECRET, but that it should come abroad.
Luke 8:17
For nothing is SECRET, that shall not be made manifest; neither [any thing] hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
Romans 1:17
For therein is the righteousness of God REVEALED from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
1 Corinthians 2:10
But God hath REVEALED [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
Job 15:8
Hast thou heard the SECRET of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?
Job 15:11
[Are] the consolations of God small with thee? is there any SECRET thing with thee?
Job 20:26
All darkness [shall be] hid in his SECRET places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle.
Job 29:4
As I was in the days of my youth, when the SECRET of God [was] upon my tabernacle;
1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the MYSTERY of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Colossians 1:26
[Even] the MYSTERY which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this MYSTERY among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Colossians 2:2
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the MYSTERY of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
Colossians 4:3
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the MYSTERY of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
God allows suffering to humanity, because He also allowed suffering to His Son Who sacrificed Himself to take away the sins of the world, the real underlying reason, directly or indirectly, of all sufferings in the universe! His Son modeled how to suffer under the Sovereign will of God, which would make His trusting believer overcome all sufferings, even the most grievous, as attested by:
Hebrews – Chapter 11
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
36 And others had trial of [cruel] mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and [in] mountains, and [in] dens and caves of the earth.
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Because of the guideline God set for His trusting believers’ walk along the narrow way by:
Habakkuk 2:4
Behold, his soul [which] is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his FAITH.
Romans 1:17
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall LIVE BY FAITH.
Galatians 3:11
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, [it is] evident: for, The just shall LIVE BY FAITH.
Hebrews 10:38
Now the just shall LIVE BY FAITH: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
If we’ll ask God such questions, He would respond back by asking us more perplexing questions which we can’t answer by our ignorant selves, just as He asked Job of many mysterious questions, after Job asked and complained to Him with his endless questions and complaints related to his mysterious sufferings.
For the patient saint (Job is supposedly the paragon of saintly patient suffering), he would be vindicated in the end, just as how God vindicated Job before his know-them-all friends who doubted and mocked his sufferings, that only God knows the real reasons behind them, being the conflict between God and Satan over God’s character and integrity!!
Romans 8:18
For I reckon that the SUFFERINGS of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
2 Corinthians 1:5
For as the SUFFERINGS of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:6
And whether we be afflicted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same SUFFERINGS which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation.
2 Corinthians 1:7
And our hope of you [is] stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the SUFFERINGS, so [shall ye be] also of the consolation.
Philippians 3:10
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his SUFFERINGS, being made conformable unto his death;
Colossians 1:24
Who now rejoice in my SUFFERINGS for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:
Hebrews 2:10
For it became him, for whom [are] all things, and by whom [are] all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through SUFFERINGS.
1 Peter 1:11
Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the SUFFERINGS of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
1 Peter 4:13
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s SUFFERINGS; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
1 Peter 5:1
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the SUFFERINGS of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
Yes, just why did a loving and true God allow this?
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-4291770489472554607&hl=en#docid=-6076323184217355958
A question that no one can answer but God himself. Why not try asking God? 🙂
By the way, I watched the video clip and its definitely a very touching footage.
The danger of not loving the truth:
They perish because they refused to love the truth.
— 2 Thessalonians 2:10
http://www.jeremiahproject.com/prophecy/deception.html
If the believer can’t understand what God’s hands are doing, e.g. when he is in the midst of fiery sufferings, then he should just trust His heart!
Job 13:15
Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him:
but I will maintain mine own ways before Him.
To manifest His justice in relation to our fallenness, so that we would get attracted to His irresistible love and grace!
Romans 11:22
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in [his] goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.