In
bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom
everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through
suffering. Heb. 2.10
I think I can
confidently say that the way to salvation is through suffering. We all receive
the precious gift of glory through the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But sometimes
personal suffering meets me on my journey to freedom and wholeness. This is not
something I like to admit and certainly not something I would volunteer to
embrace.
This word
tells me that Jesus was made perfect through suffering. I believe that Jesus
always was perfect. However, I’m taking from this scripture the encouragement
that the suffering I may experience can work in my journey towards perfection.
All actions
have an outcome. There may be a number of outcomes following the action of
suffering. One I see clearly is to be defeated, to miserably wallow in failure
or inability, and, likely, to be angry at our lot in life, and even be tempted
to blame God.
I see also
another response. I can embrace the suffering and look for Jesus in it. I have
His promise that He will never leave me and, surely, He knows all about
suffering. I can draw strength from Him. I can seek His joy even in the midst
of suffering, or perhaps I should say especially in the midst of suffering.
Lord Jesus,
I am reminded of how You suffered for me. I do not
seek out suffering experiences for myself, but if they should occur, I ask You
to strengthen me, to encourage me and to share with me the joy that will get me
through. I truly look forward to the ongoing journey with You. I thank You.
Hallelujah! Amen.
My book “God Talk” is available through major
Internet booksellers.
A taste of the book's content can be seen in
the You Tube clip
(Search: Peter Francis - "God Talk").
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