Pushing Past the Suffering
Published: June 01, 2011
Many of us equate life to pain and the results that suffering brings. On the contrary, we are never challenged to look at it beyond the present circumstances and their corresponding emotions. What about 'who you are'--and more importantly 'whose you are'--suggests that believers are to quit because of the adversary? How does his assignment weigh into your “equation”? Allow me to remind you of the root of such negativity: the enemy! It is his job to never allow you to see yourself in a place of victory. His assignment is clear: 1) steal, 2) kill, and 3) destroy.
2 Corinthians 4:8-17 expresses the imagery of the attack that is forever lurking towards the believer. Even in this, there is a tenacity that won't let you die! Life's trouble has been assigned to suffocate your existence, yet you are still able to breathe. The perplexities surrounding you were supposed to bring you to your wits end; however, such attempts have obviously failed. The "hunt" for your soul was designed to introduce you to your fate. But because you are a joint heir to the throne, you experience a knock-down as opposed to a knock-out! Remember, every stage in your life that exposes a weakness has purpose. Just as Jesus was persecuted on his way to the cross, you will be, as well. There is no exemption! When bearing HIS name, you also bear HIS struggle.
May I submit to you that every trial, pain, disappointment and struggle has an expiration date? Yes, I know and understand your flesh has evidence of battle scars, but your SPIRIT has the ultimate VICTORY. Consider the fact that you were once an ICU patient in the hospital of life. Friends, family and loved ones decided to plan your burial. This is a contrast to what is written in verse 14 (2 Corinthians 4) "knowing that he who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.” This passage excites me because it proves after circumstances and people have written you off, God takes over!
If we’re honest, we've all wanted to quit at some point; yet, verse 16a reads, "For which cause we faint not." Ironically, I suggest your endurance wasn’t solely for your benefit. Someone watched how you endured, watched how you cried, even questioned if they have survived the same struggle. Unbeknownst to them, each observation was purposeful and strategic in directing them to God.
The greatest celebration of this text is contained in verse 17, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,” (it was temporary) “is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory," (it is preparing for you, beyond all proportion and comparison, an everlasting splendor).
Understanding how your early suffering contributes to your latter glory will assist as you continue on your journey to a year full of maximum results! I speak that you #MaxOut!
© Leo R. Stoney. All rights reserved.
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Minister Leo R. Stoney resides in Orlando, Florida and serves under Pastor Darwin Randolph as Youth Pastor for Orlando Metropolitan Christian Center. His ministry focuses on empowering this generation to pursue their God-ordained destiny and MAX OUT!! For more info, go to http://www.worshipconsulttinggroup.com.…
