Topic: The Lesson in Suffering [Sunday, 26th Feb. 2017]
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)
As humans, when we hear suffering, we visualise hardship and pain, and our first reaction is “God forbid, may that never be my portion”. In our minds, nothing good can come out of suffering. We are, however, wrong. For it is in sufferings that we get better, and learn very vital life’s lessons. It is in our challenges that we are shaped.
Let us take the popular illustration of gold. Gold, as a precious ornament, is first an ugly crude mineral, with little or no beauty. This mineral is then passed through fire to purify it, and make it more attractive. The longer it stays, the more beautiful it becomes. So are we. As precious vessels in the hands of the Father, we need to go through challenges, to teach us vital lessons, and make us more attractive and more like Him.
The prophet Isaiah had to be purified with live coal (Isaiah 6:6-7). Even Jesus, the first begotten of the Father had to learn obedience by His suffering (Hebrews 5:8), after which He was made perfect (verse 9). We are admonished in James 1:2-4 thus, “my brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” God wants you to be perfect.
Keep winning daily.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for Your mysterious ways, though I may not understand why I’m going through difficult situations, I trust that You have a perfect plan. Teach me therefore what You want me to learn, and help me not to be consumed, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
By Esun Tekeme
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