The foxes have holes, and the bird of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head.
~Matthew 8: 19-20~
Early in our married life we were desperately poor. It was easy to feel bitter and sad when we saw others spending money foolishly, when we were going to bed hungry. I hate to admit it, but often I thought, "Why me God? I'm trying to live my life in the right way, but You reward immoral people, while I suffer. Don't You love me as much as them?" I know it was wrong, but that is how I thought. An especially rough patch was when we went down to our car one morning to discover someone had stolen all the tires off of it. The manager of the apartment complex greeted us, telling us we would have to put the tires on that day, or our car would be towed away. Not only did we lose the money for the tires (which we bought at a salvage yard) but also a day wages as we scrambled to get the tires and install them.
It is times like this that many turn their backs on God. But please consider this, God did not give His only begotten Son a life of luxury. Jesus was the poorest or poor. He was born in a borrowed stable, laid in a borrowed manger, and when He died upon the cross, He was buried in a borrowed grave.
Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.
~2Corinthians 8:9 ~
The are many verses in the Bible that show us that suffering is a part of being a faithful Christian. The Holy Spirit says:
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for His sake.
~Philippians 1:29
James said:
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried , he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him.
~James 1: 12~
No where in the Bible does it say that God will give you a life of luxury and ease, in spite of what some preachers are preaching. God does promise that He will be with you, however, in your suffering. Just think of the New Testament authors; Luke was hanged, Mark was dragged through the streets by a team of wild horses, James was clubbed to death.
I am so grateful for my trials! Without them I would not have the knowledge to help those that are hurting now. It has made me stronger, spiritually as well as mentally.
The trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
~1 Peter 1:7~
Remember that without sacrifice there can be no crown to be laid at Our Savior's feet. That in John 6:19 he instructs us not to lay up treasures here on Earth. I leave you with the words of Paul:
I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only,but unto all them also that love His appearing.
~2 Timothy 4: 6-8~
A very helpful post, Jane. The "why-me" syndrome can sure come on quickly if we're not careful. And our "me-first" culture doesn't help any. You offered some good verses to keep handy.
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
The purpose of the post was twofold Sandy. One to show through the verses that God doesn't promise Christians a rose garden, and secondly to show that most Christians struggle with their faith sometimes.
ReplyDeleteDear Jane,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post! We are silly to get upset when life isn't "perfect", aren't we? Where would the growth be in that?
Love,
Marqueta
Well put, Jane!
ReplyDeleteThat was beautifully said Jane. Your post reminded me of my favorite scripture in 1 Corinthians 10:13 it says: "No temptation has taken you except what is common to men. But God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation, he will also make the way out, in order for you to be able to endure." A dear elderly friend once told me that the word temptation in this verse also refers to the "trials" we face. How comforting it is to know that nothing will ever happen that we can't endure if we rely upon our heavenly Father for strength and guidance. The more trials we go through the more we see that this is true. Each experience builds upon the next and strengthens our faith, which takes so much of the fear out of life. Delisa :)
ReplyDeleteDelisa, the word "temptation" in the James 1:12 means trials also, according to my expository Bible. I love the poetry of the King James version, but sometimes it's hard to understand. I just bought a parallel Bible that has 4 different translations and commentaries. It really aids in understanding.
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful post Jane! I know I wouldn't have my close walk with the Lord if it wasn't for the trails I have had in my life. And I wouldn't trade that for ANYTHING, so I thank Him for the trials as well as the blessings.
ReplyDeleteI love the King James version too!
I haven't written a Sunday Sermon in quite a while Lori. I always thought everyone had a much better grasp of the Scriptures than I. Lately I've been studying Bible prophecy, which is incredibly fascinating by mind boggling in how deep into meanings you can go. I love the King James version also, but I find I understand the New Century version better. I know that there's some controversy about the modern translations, but I always compare the different translations.
DeleteHi Jane, I think we Bible readers all feel that way! I just have to trust that the Holy Spirit will show me what I need to know at that time. I love to study the Bible, it is probably my favorite thing to do. I know what you mean about how deep you can go..sometimes it gets beyond me and I have to stop! I have not studied Bible prophecy in any depth..yet..I am sure it is a very interesting study.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of the New Century version but have not seen one. I will have to look at one the next time I am at the bookstore. I use different versions too, they say that is a good idea if you don't know Hebrew or Greek, which I don't. I just got the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance and I am anxious to use it too. I heard it was very good.
I hope you are having a lovely day Jane!