Why are we so surprised when life feels something akin to a ride through a meat grinder? The Christian life gets difficult and suddenly we're trying to figure out what went wrong and asking all of our friends to pray for us so that things will get better. What is it we expect?"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." 1 Peter 4:12
I think it's remarkable that as soon as Jesus was baptized by John and received the acclaim and approval of the Father, "[a]t once the Spirit sent Him out into the desert." There was no hiatus between baptism and trial. As somewhat of an ancillary thought, I wonder if it was there, in the desert, that place meant specifically to be place of trial and testing, where Jesus our High Priest was "tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin."
I guess I'm just pondering the certainty and necessity of suffering in the Christian life, as well as the tension between suffering and joy. Both are promised, but only joy is optional. I don't want to recoil with shock when suffering - whether from Divine discipline, seasons of growth, persecution for doing right, or whatever - settles in like smog.
The world is full of suffering, but for the Christian suffering has a refining influence, and that should be cause for joy and peace.
5 comments:
i've been becoming increasingly self-conscious of our corporate prayers that so often seem to fall back to, "Lord, bless/help/fix/etc. ________"...essentially, asking Him to make every trial or problem go away. i don't see that type of prayer much in the Bible, or much teaching that says we should expect those things to go away anytime soon. rather, we see requests for growth ***despite those sufferings***, or for increases in wisdom, knowledge and understanding of who God is, what He's done for us in Messiah (i.e., we grow in our understanding of the Gospel) and for more of the Spirit's work to manifest itself ***during those sufferings.*** those prayers seem a lot harder to come by.
I tell you what, Dr. Cozzi - working where I do, and hearing/seeing every prayer request that comes through the office to go out on e-mail, it's disconcerting. Troubling from the standpoint that the general tenor of a lot of "requests" has to do with, well, stuff that is just off the mark. Do I dare say selfish? I'd be indicting myself, b/c I've done the same thing. It's frustrating to see us using God like a credit card, and praying without, it seems, ANY Biblical understanding. Prayer comes from our lists, and not as an outgrowth of our relationship to the Savior.
Blainemonster,
Dude, I had no idea you had a blog. This is great! This post is encouraging, and I'm blessed by your sharp focus, evident throughout the site.
Grace & peace,
Derek Ashton
I appreciaate this post. I to wrestle with the tension between suffering and joy. 1 Pet 4:12 is a great reference that many ignore. It is great to know that this light affliction is only temparary! (2 Cor 4:17-18) Oh to be more like my Jesus! For Gods glory.
Derek and Rob - Great to hear from you guys; glad we can encourage one another!
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