Anamchara

Fiery Trials

As Christians, if we suffer long enough, or if "friends" and/or "Christians" don't understand or agree with our suffering, meaning suffering is something they can't handle for whatever reason or reasons, we sometimes find ourselves alone. In my own case, this can be an opportunity to identify more closely with Christ, who himself died alone.

Jesus never condemns us in our suffering. He never tells us that we have no idea about real suffering, given the suffering He endured on the cross.

Rather, Jesus comes along side us, and shares in our suffering, as we mystically share in His.

"Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner." I Peter 4: 12,13 The Message

My circle of friends has gotten very small as my wife and I have suffered. I take comfort in the communion of saints. We have, by God's mercy, been able to "have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:18,19 NIV)."

posted by Anamchara @ 10:11 PM