- Joined
- Feb 9, 2004
- Messages
- 17,078
Perspective On Life - Message #030 - September 25, 2005
We all have questions about suffering. It might be disease, illness or injury. It could be unkind words or getting passed over for that promotion. It might be a fire, earthquake or hurricane. We can rarely change our circumstances. We need perspective on life.
Many people turn to the paranormal for answers. Others look into deep space. Programs like the "X-Files" and movies like "Independence Day" are big hits. There is a better source of help: the Bible. It may not give us all the answers we want but it gives us the advice we need. For example, 1 Peter 2:19 tells us, "This finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrow when suffering unjustly." We don't find the answer to unjust suffering here. We do find some direction in handling it.
God knows all about unjust suffering. His Son, Jesus Christ, was unjustly sentenced to die on a cross. The trial was rigged. Jesus was condemned on the basis of false testimony. God exhorts us to "bear up under sorrow when suffering unjustly." How can we do this? God promises that His grace and favor will be upon us in such circumstances. God's strength is no small thing in the midst of sorrow and unjust suffering. He promises, "My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Contributed by Dr. Dennis J. Prutow
We all have questions about suffering. It might be disease, illness or injury. It could be unkind words or getting passed over for that promotion. It might be a fire, earthquake or hurricane. We can rarely change our circumstances. We need perspective on life.
Many people turn to the paranormal for answers. Others look into deep space. Programs like the "X-Files" and movies like "Independence Day" are big hits. There is a better source of help: the Bible. It may not give us all the answers we want but it gives us the advice we need. For example, 1 Peter 2:19 tells us, "This finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrow when suffering unjustly." We don't find the answer to unjust suffering here. We do find some direction in handling it.
God knows all about unjust suffering. His Son, Jesus Christ, was unjustly sentenced to die on a cross. The trial was rigged. Jesus was condemned on the basis of false testimony. God exhorts us to "bear up under sorrow when suffering unjustly." How can we do this? God promises that His grace and favor will be upon us in such circumstances. God's strength is no small thing in the midst of sorrow and unjust suffering. He promises, "My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Contributed by Dr. Dennis J. Prutow
