hope in suffering

The world is full of suffering...and the world's suffering has become even more clear to me during the last few weeks. I have been watching others deal with the pressures of suffering, as well as sorting through the emotions and pains of my own.

It was timely to receive the message "Subjected in Hope" about suffering this weekend from a guest pastor, John Piper. He used the text in Romans 8:18-25 to highlight several aspects of suffering, not just that of persecution as was on the minds of the writer but all persecution. The text demonstrates the spatial element (all creation suffers), time element (past, present, and future is mentioned), and the judicial act of God in suffering. Piper also pointed out the promises that are revealed about suffering in this text.

1. we will see all satisfying glory v. 18
2. we will be glory v. 19
3. the ultimate design of suffering is hope v.20
4. all will be free v. 21
5. suffering is not throws of death but pains of birth v.22
6. our bodies will be redeemed v.23

While these are my paraphrase of his teaching. I did much better at taking notes in nearly an outline for this sermon than in a long time. This is not by accident, as I need to refer back to these aspects and promises concerning suffering. It is easy to get paralyzed but what seems to be overwhelming in difficult times. I want to be changed by what God has revealed in my heart and through his word in these days, for these times to bring glory to Him. I must cling to the Hope.

While Piper came to deliver this message due to Matt Chandler's health condition and the suffering that has subsequently happened in our church family...I really do hold on to John Piper's point that while the Word speaks to us about this trial...it also has a personal message. I know I needed it for me and my growth in Christ at this time.

Matt begins chemo and radiation tomorrow that will last for six weeks. He is still heavy on my heart and in my prayers. Please lift the Chandlers up when you pray.