" SUFFERING "

Alright let's get into it, Suffering is not always a result of sin. Do you remember in the Gospel of John when Jesus healed the man who was born blind? Now a common belief in Jewish culture was that calamity or suffering was the result of some great sin. But Jesus knowing what and how his culture thought of imperfections in ones physical body was due to sin. Jesus believed in teachable moments, he wanted to teach about faith and to glorify God. We live in a fallen world where good behavior is not always rewarded and bad behavior not always punished. Therefore, innocent people sometimes Suffer. If God took Suffering away whenever we asked, we would follow him for comfort and convenience, not out of love and devotion. Regardless of the reasons for our suffering, Jesus has the power to help us deal with it. When you Suffer from a disease, tragedy, or disability, try not to ask, " Why did this happen to Me?" or " What did I do Wrong?" Instead, ask God to give you strength for the trail and a clearer perspective on what is happening. I think that we all have heard of Job and how he Suffered. Although baffled by the reasons for his Suffering, Job affirmed God's superior understanding by asking, " Can anyone teach God Knowledge?" The way you respond to your Personal Struggles shows your attitude toward God. Rather than becoming angry with God, continue to trust him, no matter what your circumstances maybe. Although it is sometimes difficult to see, God is in control. We must commit ourselves to him so we will not resent his timing. Until Next Time... Jim,