I just finished listening to John Piper's sermons (part 1 & part 2) - Subjected to Futility in Hope. (ht: Rebecca writes) I regularly listen to sermons on suffering, which may sound strange, but I find great comfort in them. I didn't have any theology of suffering when the bottom fell out in my life, so I appreciate Piper's preaching on suffering. I forget too easily so I need to be reminded that there is a design to all that is happening. I need to hear messages that will get me past the "Why me?" and bring me to "It will be worth it in the end."
One thing that Piper mentions is how we need to understand why God's children suffer so we can encourage one another when everything gives way. I get the impression that he deliberately preaches on suffering to prepare his church members to stand when their time comes.
Last week in our small group, I looked around the room at the brothers and sisters who were there. Some, if not all, have been through or are currently in trials. There are many in our church who have had chronic illness, cancer, loss of family members, rejection by family for the sake of Christ. But at the same time, there is a solidity to those saints who have perservered through suffering and stood firm in Christ.
My time came, and it has come for some of my brothers and sisters. I pray that we can uphold one another and not be afraid to cry together. I pray that we can rejoice and laugh with one another as well. But most of all, I pray that we will be able to encourage one another to stand on the Rock and not give up.
One thing that Piper mentions is how we need to understand why God's children suffer so we can encourage one another when everything gives way. I get the impression that he deliberately preaches on suffering to prepare his church members to stand when their time comes.
Last week in our small group, I looked around the room at the brothers and sisters who were there. Some, if not all, have been through or are currently in trials. There are many in our church who have had chronic illness, cancer, loss of family members, rejection by family for the sake of Christ. But at the same time, there is a solidity to those saints who have perservered through suffering and stood firm in Christ.
My time came, and it has come for some of my brothers and sisters. I pray that we can uphold one another and not be afraid to cry together. I pray that we can rejoice and laugh with one another as well. But most of all, I pray that we will be able to encourage one another to stand on the Rock and not give up.
When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay
There is a new R.C. Sproul book being released this month on suffering. I'm looking forward to getting it.
ReplyDeleteThis is why we are all here and why we suffer what we suffer so that we can be help, encouragement, and the life-line to our brother and sisters in Christ.
ReplyDelete