it is crucial that we realize what we're getting into, when we receive Jesus Christ into our lives.
for most of us who made that decision, it's really just surrendering your life into His hands, placing your faith and trust that He will always be with you.
we cannot escape suffering, it will come even if you are not a Christian. what differs us, is that we know Jesus will be there, and that He'll make all things good at the end. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)
what it means is the end of the story is always good!
a Christian life does not promise a life free of suffering. why even Jesus Christ Himself suffered and died on the cross, and He's the reason why we are Christians.
let's put it this way, C.S Lewis suggests that God in His omniscience (means He knows everything) "saw that from a world of free creatures (that's you and me), even though they fell (sinned), he could work out ... a deeper happiness and a fuller splendor than any world of automata (basically what our world can offer) would admit.
Our present world is full of sickness, suffering, and sin. Christianity never claims our present world is the best of all possible worlds, BUT it is the best way to the best possible world! Heaven!
for those who are possibly going through rough tough times, or even for those who have sufferings yet to come, Jesus Christ should be your anchor during those days. He only can offer peace and joy. Peace is about remaining calm in the midst of storms. Joy is smiling bracing the winds.
Jesus said "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation (suffering), but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
we've discussed about the flower 'Forget-me-not', and just like the flower's name, let's not forget Jesus has already conquered the grave/death, what more our present sufferings? He is God. Sustainer. Redeemer.
so now we can look forward to the brighter days with Him.
i'm looking for the brighter days, when all my hurts seem to fade away,
i'm looking for the brighter days, to come my way.
Brighter Days, (by Leeland)
Sufferings
be God's revolutionaries
excerpt from 'Living Under God'
(by Toby Mac & Michael Tait)
As strange as it may sound, God is looking for revolutionaries who are not rebellious - He is looking for people who are willing to set our upside down world back upside right.
Rebelliousness is often based in selfishness and anarchy - it certainly attracts those who are against the present norm without really being for anything better. Such 'revolutionaries' often have no vision for anything after the rebellion is over because they were only in it to destroy the status quo, not to build a better future - or to simply be in charge and noticed, not to truly lead for the benefit of others.
God's revolutionaries, however, don't look for opportunities to dominate others, but chances to serve. They are revolutionary because they stand for something better. Are you such a revolutionary, or are you looking for attention by being against whatever is going on now?
**We'll discuss about this more in WinGS as we go along :)

