A call to suffering:

Today's topic is being experienced right here and now. So, it is more than a theory or opinion, I bring to you. It is a call to suffering. The word is difficult to say, though easy to pronounce. It is a painful word to say... but ignoring it does not make it go away from a person or people going through it.

Suffering can either make or break a person's will. The creator uses suffering to make men realize their frailty and need of him. Those of us who are alive are suffering from the pandemic - physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. This is a stark reality that is hard to face and find an easy solution for. There is a hopeless suffering by people in the world and there is a hopeful suffering by the people of hope and faith in God. The hopeless suffering by the people in the world who are without hope and God is a disaster. But the hopeful suffering by the people called according to the purpose of God works for them an eternal weight of glory. The people of God are informed and armed with the promises of God, so they can face and go through it with patience. The people of God live with a hope of receiving the grace of God in the salvation of their soul. There is a suffering in the sense of partaking of the sufferings of Christ. Suffering the same things Christ suffered when in the flesh on earth. Being despised and rejected of men. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He suffered for proclaiming the truth of God. Those who bear witness to the truth also suffer in like manner.

How have I suffered as one who looks to God in Christ?

I suffer daily due to being given a son with Attention Deficiency hyperactivity disorder. I suffer mentally and emotionally. I suffer financial stress due to being paid a low wage. It makes me anxious about my future expenses, sometimes more than at other times. It drives me to continue to hold the job I have with a measure of thanks. I suffer with a potential loss of my earthly dad. I suffer in relationship with a woman who is on a different page. I am being candid about it because opening about it might have a therapeutic effect on you. It might be a shocker for others! Such a message is not coming from a person with whom everything is going smoothly. I am bearing it patiently and also reacting badly at times.

In what way and level are you suffering today? Are you suffering without hope? How are you responding and reacting whilst going through it?

The God of hope is offering you hope through this word. You are not suffering alone. Would that give you a measure of comfort?