God’s Plan

Art by www.ChristArt.com

“In the scheme of God’s plan, troubles and afflictions are upgraded to classroom lessons where we learn to appropriate the nature of Christ.” “We should repent of carrying the image of a Savior who fails to confront our sin or challenge our unbelief, for such is a false image of God. If we are to genuinely know Him, we must accept this truth: Jesus Christ is irrevocably committed to our complete transformation!” – Francis Frangipane, The Stronghold of God

Fields of Suffering

Rice Fields by Scott Gable (Click image to see more amazing photographs by Scott)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.  For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.1

 

Consider: Isn’t it my responsibility is to share what I’ve received?  Doesn’t freedom come with responsibility?  If I don’t go through trouble and receive the comfort of God how will I comfort others?

Further Consideration: In Christ, suffering and consolation abound.2  Everyone suffers, even non-believers; if in the midst of suffering I don’t turn to God, haven’t I removed myself from the blessing of suffering leaving only emptiness?

How silly it is to labor in the fields of suffering and refuse to eat of the fruit.

Reflection:  If I am unable to comfort others, have I shunned suffering, the very instrument that God is using to train and equip me for ministry?3

My Prayer:  Lord, give me the grace to embrace suffering as a surgical instrument of change, trusting that you are molding me into the man you created me to be and, like Christ Jesus, teach me obedience along the way.  Amen