2 Timothy 1:11-12
For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him.
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The occupational hazard of all followers of Jesus Christ is that we suffer. We cannot turn away from the suffering of others with the posture that "it is not our concern." We suffer to see so much suffering we cannot possibly address it all. We suffer from our guilt when we know that what we do and what we leave undone can create more suffering. I yelled at God last night because I was tired of the suffering that never ends, near and far. After I yelled, I cried. And after I cried I said, "You've got me, Lord. What's next?" Apostle Paul eventually viewed his own suffering as a mark of honor, a way of knowing that he was, in fact, following Jesus. The way we wear our suffering can be a message to those who are listening to our lives. The message might be, "Give up. All is lost" or it might be, "Can I help you with that cross, Lord?"
* * * * * * *
Lord God, let our lives be a beacon of hope for all who suffer. Amen.
For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him.
* * * * * * *
The occupational hazard of all followers of Jesus Christ is that we suffer. We cannot turn away from the suffering of others with the posture that "it is not our concern." We suffer to see so much suffering we cannot possibly address it all. We suffer from our guilt when we know that what we do and what we leave undone can create more suffering. I yelled at God last night because I was tired of the suffering that never ends, near and far. After I yelled, I cried. And after I cried I said, "You've got me, Lord. What's next?" Apostle Paul eventually viewed his own suffering as a mark of honor, a way of knowing that he was, in fact, following Jesus. The way we wear our suffering can be a message to those who are listening to our lives. The message might be, "Give up. All is lost" or it might be, "Can I help you with that cross, Lord?"
* * * * * * *
Lord God, let our lives be a beacon of hope for all who suffer. Amen.
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