DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- FAITH IN SUFFERING

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – FAITH IN SUFFERING

"Still other had trial 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. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us." (Hebrews 11:36-40)

I love the song we sing, "Victory In Jesus." We certainly do live in victory, but that does not mean that we do not have challenges and problems. There are some who teach that if we go through suffering, it is because we are lacking in faith. To them, I say that enduring hard times while keeping faith is a greater sign of faith than living without problems.

Even those who were honored for their faith – Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Joshua, Rahab, Gideon, David, Samuel and the prophets – had their times of suffering. It is true that their great accomplishments are encouragement for our faith. But It was not all "glory-land way."

It seems to me that are those who endured great suffering and were not delivered from their trials are also examples of great faith. In the midst of great suffering they remained true to their faith in God's promises.

It is not always the answers to prayer that are proof of faith, but it is also remaining faithful in spite of unanswered prayer.

God is great and He does bring great victories. But He is still great even if He chooses in His sovereignty and wisdom to not deliver us from our challenges. He has greater purposes. Those who suffer greatly have a good testimony through faith, even though they may not receive the promise in this life. God uses them as an example of faith in hardship for the benefit of our faith. We can take comfort in our own challenges that God is God because of the example of their endurance of faith in face of suffering.

In all things – in great victories or great suffering – may God be glorified.

Love, Dad