You don’t need to live long to suffer much. One aspect of God’s character is He is a Redeemer: He is able take the suffering of one person and make it a source of comfort for others today. Christians have eternity to look forward to, yet there is also great comfort for us to receive now. We imagine the best source of comfort is for our circumstances to change for the better, but people who have suffered and are suffering can provide an unexpected source of encouragement when they endure and rejoiced in the LORD.
I recently received shocking and sobering news of friends in the States whose property and house burned to the ground. I have never personally known such a loss, and I am grateful to have been spared from this trial. I am also thankful beyond words for the God-fearing, trusting, and celebrating attitude from my friends despite their loss. I am reminded of the exhortation they are fulfilling in 1 Peter 4:12-13: "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." Pain can numb us to the love of God He graciously demonstrates through His word, His people, and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
True are the words Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ." How amazing God makes the ones who have suffered to be comforters through the power of the Holy Spirit! At the sight of the devastation and total loss I was grieved and then surprised to be suddenly greeted with testimonies of praise and thanksgiving unto God. Having received the comfort and consolation which is in Christ, victims become victors who shine radiantly with the joy of the LORD.
Giant sequoias have an intriguing relationship with fire. Being so tall they are often struck by lightning which can start fires sequoias need to reproduce. The heat of flames is required to crack open their cones to release seeds that can remain locked away for 20 years. Fire also stimulates growth in giant sequoias, and these trees continue to grow as long as they live. Isn't it amazing how the fires of trials and tribulations can be a boon to the faith of those who look to the LORD and those who witness their genuine peace? Fires are deadly and destructive, and it takes the power of God to miraculously use them to accomplish His good purposes in nature and in the lives of His people. May I learn to praise God always despite of fiery trials because Jesus Christ is in my sight.
I recently received shocking and sobering news of friends in the States whose property and house burned to the ground. I have never personally known such a loss, and I am grateful to have been spared from this trial. I am also thankful beyond words for the God-fearing, trusting, and celebrating attitude from my friends despite their loss. I am reminded of the exhortation they are fulfilling in 1 Peter 4:12-13: "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." Pain can numb us to the love of God He graciously demonstrates through His word, His people, and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
True are the words Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ." How amazing God makes the ones who have suffered to be comforters through the power of the Holy Spirit! At the sight of the devastation and total loss I was grieved and then surprised to be suddenly greeted with testimonies of praise and thanksgiving unto God. Having received the comfort and consolation which is in Christ, victims become victors who shine radiantly with the joy of the LORD.
Giant sequoias have an intriguing relationship with fire. Being so tall they are often struck by lightning which can start fires sequoias need to reproduce. The heat of flames is required to crack open their cones to release seeds that can remain locked away for 20 years. Fire also stimulates growth in giant sequoias, and these trees continue to grow as long as they live. Isn't it amazing how the fires of trials and tribulations can be a boon to the faith of those who look to the LORD and those who witness their genuine peace? Fires are deadly and destructive, and it takes the power of God to miraculously use them to accomplish His good purposes in nature and in the lives of His people. May I learn to praise God always despite of fiery trials because Jesus Christ is in my sight.
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