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Rejoicing In Our Sufferings...
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." -- Romans 5:3-4
The above is probably one of the most difficult but also one of the most valuable things we can challenge ourselves to do.
To rejoice in sufferings seems so "alien" to the common sense we're often pressured to exude.
Friends, family members, business colleagues, and counselors all remind us of the supreme importance of common sense.
But, if we find ourselves following the Scriptural advice offered above, many would challenge us with phrases like "get real", "that makes no sense", "you've got to get your head out of the clouds", or even more stringently, something like, "that type of nonsense is why I'm not a Christian", etc., etc., etc.
Yet, REAL common sense seems to side with the above Scripture.
Think about it: if we're in the midst of suffering and DON'T rejoice, what does that do to our suffering?
RIGHT!
If we don't rejoice, our suffering is WORSE!
But, if we can somehow get ourselves to rejoice, it reduces the weight of the suffering in which we find ourselves.
So, let me ask you: Have you ever been challenged to rejoice in your sufferings? Have you ever succeeded in rejoicing in your sufferings? Have you ever benefited from your sufferings? I.e., have you become stronger in your perseverance, developed stronger character, intentionally garnered greater hope?
Thanks for reading, and Keep STRONG, My Friend!!
Vincent Wright
1.18.2009
The above is probably one of the most difficult but also one of the most valuable things we can challenge ourselves to do.
To rejoice in sufferings seems so "alien" to the common sense we're often pressured to exude.
Friends, family members, business colleagues, and counselors all remind us of the supreme importance of common sense.
But, if we find ourselves following the Scriptural advice offered above, many would challenge us with phrases like "get real", "that makes no sense", "you've got to get your head out of the clouds", or even more stringently, something like, "that type of nonsense is why I'm not a Christian", etc., etc., etc.
Yet, REAL common sense seems to side with the above Scripture.
Think about it: if we're in the midst of suffering and DON'T rejoice, what does that do to our suffering?
RIGHT!
If we don't rejoice, our suffering is WORSE!
But, if we can somehow get ourselves to rejoice, it reduces the weight of the suffering in which we find ourselves.
So, let me ask you: Have you ever been challenged to rejoice in your sufferings? Have you ever succeeded in rejoicing in your sufferings? Have you ever benefited from your sufferings? I.e., have you become stronger in your perseverance, developed stronger character, intentionally garnered greater hope?
Thanks for reading, and Keep STRONG, My Friend!!
Vincent Wright
1.18.2009
Tags: character, common sense, hope, perserverance, suffering, sufferings
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by James Zimbardi on -
I am in full agreement with this. Amen!
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Permalink Reply by Dr Simon Harding on
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This is an excellent post
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© 2009 Created by Vincent Wright
