Lessons about Suffering Part One there will be more I think

By: T.J. Ellis








You are my Light

You are my Song

You are my Strength when all hope is gone

You are my Hiding Place

You are my Purser

You are The Lifter of My Head

You are The Protector of my soul.

You are Supreme above all things.

You are the Fulfiller of my Dreams

You are my Molder and my Potter

You are my Worthy Lamb!

You are my Strong and Tender Father

You are my Treasure Eternal

You are my Holy Savior

You are my cleansing

You are my Perfect Listener

You are my GOD!



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
So that is the songof my heart today... 
 
Today I was reminded that God is God, and I'm not.  I know that isn't news, but sometimes I am guilty of not choosing to . walk in the reality of the victory I have in Christ!  I have recently thought a lot about human suffering and the purpose of it.  This morning I found some answers in Isa. 53.  I will never know nor will I upon this earth comprehend the complexity of suffering, but there are some answers I have found.
1.  Jesus suffered unjustly, and never even opened his mouth....  This is found in Isa. 53:7 http://www.biblegateway.com/ Note: All passages can be found on this website(Also Note I've chosen to use the NIV) 
 He was oppressed and afflicted,



yet he did not open his mouth;


he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,


and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,


so he did not open his mouth." Isa. 53:7
Of course I''m not suggesting a healthy acknowledgement of suffering is unwarranted, nor am I saying  that we will be able to follow Jesus's example flawlessly either.Please also understand that if I'm preaching to anyone it is myself...   Jesus more than any of us had reason to complain, and he made another choice even as he endured the agony of the cross  He focused upward. 
2.God's ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts are than ours.  Isa. 55:9 As the heavens are higher than the earth,


so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts."
3. God has a purpose for suffering, and He always knows the big picture unlike us, He does not just look at immediate effects and instant outcomes, He has a long range view, an eternal perspective.  Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[a] who[b] have been called according to his purpose.

4. Finally Jesus always knew God had a greater purpose for suffering.  I admit this is the concept I wrestle with the most, but I'm going to keep seeking and searching even though my limited mind does not fully understand and I'm not sure I was ever really meant to.  Isa. 53:10 "Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,



and though the LORD makes  his life a guilt offering,


he will see his offspring and prolong his days,


and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand."






I have more I'm processing on this topic, but I will stop here for now..  Please let me know your thoughts, do you relate agree or have another take on the topic?  This is a new journey for me, one that is only just beginning