BREATHE WELL IN SUFFERING

It is natural to run from the sufferings of this life, only to find more suffering. Some work to drown sorrows in alcohol, sex, drugs, gambling, shopping, etc. Some may use weird techniques to eliminate the pain by meditating on absolutely nothing. When will earthly suffering end? The answer: The Grave. You must run through life with this understanding. Just accept that life’s suffering unites color, sex, and socio-economic status. There is a natural unity in all of mankind and that is suffering.

The moment resolution is made about suffering in this life, you can move on with faith believing and trusting in the impossible. Jesus learned obedience by the things he suffered. Suffering is as natural as breathing air. Let the fire of suffering make you shine as gold.

There are two types of suffering. The first is because of disobedience to Christ and the second is obedience to Christ. You can add unnecessary suffering to your life. For all the pleasure that sin gives there is a tail that brings suffering. Ask the addict who lost everything they had in their life because of it. This suffering should be avoided and can be avoided by obeying the voice of God and understanding his will for your life. The second suffering can never be avoided. This suffering is found when you choose to obey God’s word over strong desires to sin against it.

There is a pain that develops in telling your flesh the answer is no. Ask the dieter who tries diligently to put down the potato chips, ice cream, pizza etc.  The body will fight you. The devil will fight you. Spiritual darkness in heavenly places is against your success. Why? Your success shines the light for others to see and rejoice in the fact that making it is possible.

Breathing well in suffering is found in understanding that your suffering is not strange. For the follower of Jesus Christ understands that it is common to all believers. Since it is common, sit back and trust the Lord for the roller-coaster ride is almost over. Grab the hand next to you and say we will make it. Don’t allow the screams of others to cause you to lose hope. Jesus will never leave or forsake you and in the end he will be there to bring you home.

The Welcome Mat

Recently, I moved into a new place and while carrying things in the front door I couldn’t help but notice the very worn ‘welcome’ doormat. I continued to carry the things in and walked over it many times but each time, I noticed just how worn it was.

I reflected on the many times I have asked the Lord for forgiveness and the weariness that comes with it. Is it possible for me to wear out my welcome? Just like the worn welcome mat, can I wear him out? No! He is a God of grace and mercy. He knows ours sins and shortcomings, he welcomes our talks and his grace and mercy can cover anything that we mess up.

Don’t stop asking God for your miracle; don’t stop asking God to help you in your situation! You must ask or the Bible would not have said, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find”. What do you need from your Heavenly Father? Healing, financial help, help with your children, help overcoming a weakness or sin? Whatever it is, DON’T feel that you have worn out your welcome, you haven’t. A good parent will always welcome their children home. An evil parent gives their children gifts. How much more does your Heavenly Father welcome your communication with him?

I bought a new doormat for appearance sake, but I kept the old one and placed it on the back porch just to remind me. Now I can wear out the new one and associate it with talking to my Heavenly Father…I am not going to wear out my welcome with him ever!!!

picture by  odolphie

By Sheila (Guest Post)

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