tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4284445430798660067.post4245476078446420918..comments2012-07-05T22:19:59.337-05:00Comments on Our Family Adventures: Is it suffering or just life?Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03879311565170059779noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4284445430798660067.post-17200422844481872262011-03-18T10:37:53.803-05:002011-03-18T10:37:53.803-05:00Kristin,
God literally directed me to this post. I...Kristin,<br />God literally directed me to this post. I was actually just in the middle of posting my own "sufferings" on my blog, when I detoured and saw your blog in the newsfeed. Wow. I can't tell you how much I needed to hear your story. Wesley and I are in the midst of our own struggles, and I keep asking God "Why?" continuously. But really, shouldn't we expect these trials based on that verse? But it's still hard for me to understand and accept. In my human mind, I think living like Jesus should equal blessings. And it does. But not always in the way we see them. I have no doubt that you guys are a blessing to those around you in your community. The very fact that you've remained there amidst these struggles I'm sure is speaking volumes. But it's difficult to see that when it feels like you're being targeted constantly.<br /><br />Thank you so much for being vulnerable enough to share your story. It is such an encouragement to me, and exactly what I needed to hear. Love you, and praying for you guys!!<br /><br />AshleyAshleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00977220750000378492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4284445430798660067.post-25549976955104303692011-03-09T14:50:34.342-06:002011-03-09T14:50:34.342-06:00I know exactly what you are saying when you ask if...I know exactly what you are saying when you ask if this is really suffering for the sake of the Gospel, since your suffering is not obviously and directly linked to your identity as Christian, as in other parts of the world. However, I think it is linked.<br /><br />Scripture is also just as clear about the "many trials" that will come upon us for the testing of our faith. These trials also are "for the sake of the Gospel" in this way - when people see us live with a hope that is based upon Jesus in the midst of (even) "just life" trials, the Gospel is commended to them. <br /><br />I would still categorize your situation as suffering. Everyone in this world suffers. The questions is - which trials cause us suffering? I often say that some things in life are hard and other things we make hard. I think if we live by the Spirit, and as our faith is refined over time, we find that fewer things in this life are truly worth suffering over. Some things are irritating, difficult, painful, etc. As we become less self centered and more Christ centered, I think the things that cause Him pain will cause us pain. That, to me, is what you are experiencing. And, I do agree that for some reason God wills for some people to walk through a greater amount of suffering. It's not easy to understand or explain, but it's something I have observed.<br /><br />And it helps to call it suffering because then we are emboldened to walk through it as one who IS suffering for the sake of the Gospel - that it would be shown in our lives. 1 Peter 4:16, 19 "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good."Angiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11404215589710266726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4284445430798660067.post-52822046731239577162011-03-08T20:29:15.216-06:002011-03-08T20:29:15.216-06:00do you remember me? was once in your sos group and...do you remember me? was once in your sos group and we're still friends on facebook which is how i found your blog. i'm one of those ones from fay, ar. go hogs!<br /><br />anyway- <br />recently heard a prof from pittsburgh seminary say that we are elected/called/chosen not just for salvation, but for SERVICE and SUFFERING. because in service and suffering we're joining in/united with Christ's mission and work... (i'm not saying it quite as well as he did, and regardless of your thoughts on "election" i think the point is still the same...) yes, you're suffering, but also yes that is just life- the christian life- if you're following christ and joining him in his mission. and i say this not having suffered much in my life, but i'm so thankful for your faithfulness and for the reminder you give about what's important, what's lasting, what matters. all this to (try) to say: be encouraged! i think you're right where you need to be.Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03263382456665049946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4284445430798660067.post-41830281669386927262011-03-08T07:03:03.863-06:002011-03-08T07:03:03.863-06:00I'm so glad I found your blog. I am constantly...I'm so glad I found your blog. I am constantly encouraged by your words.Tyler Glodjohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09902848124581328502noreply@blogger.com