DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- AND OTHERS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – AND OTHERS

"Still others had trials of mockings and scourgings; yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented – of whom the world was not worthy." (Hebrews 11: 36-38a

Does it ever give you pause to stop and wonder why some Christians suffer so much while others seem to live an easy life? I sometimes wonder why I have such a life of leisure while there are many, many Christians around the world who are languishing in prison, suffering torture and privation, and their families are going through much misery for the name of Jesus. Not that I am complaining. I do not have a desire for suffering.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews lists the great champions of faith who saw such great victories – Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, and Samuel. These all had their challenges but they saw demonstrations of God deliverance.

Then the writer shifts gears and says, "Still others." Only God knows why, in His great plan, some see great victories, and others such dreadful hardships.

This is the testimony of Scripture: "all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith" (vs. 39). Regardless of how my life turns, I want to have a good testimony of faith or faithfulness.

I wish that all of Christian life was a bowl of peaches and cream. But the biblical record does not promise that. What it does promise is God's presence and that everything works together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purposes. Some of the greatest testimonies to God's grace come from people who have endured the greatest hardship.

Regardless, may His name be praised in all things.

Love, Dad