God lives and works today.
Perhaps in looking back you could testify to
his reality when you think about especially happy
times in your life.
But what about the times of affliction, when
the waves of trouble rise up and almost
seem to drown you?
If you are going through such a time
right now, listen to today's meditation by Basilia
Schlink, In the Midst of Suffering.
What do we have to thank for the
most?
Surely for the most precious gift that a
person can receive, for that which contains the
greatest blessing imaginable.
But what is this treasure?
It is suffering, although at first it may
seem to be anything but precious and valuable.
Even of our Lord Jesus we hear that
it was suffering which brought him glory, and
that's why the Apostle Paul writes in Romans
chapter 5, therefore we rejoice in our sufferings.
God is calling each one of us to
rejoice in this way, for in such praise
lies great power.
It helps us to master our afflictions, and
our hearts will become quiet when we say,
I praise the blessing that comes from ways
of suffering and darkest night.
Or if we sing it.
When we praise the blessing that suffering will
bring, all its negative power will be broken.
It will no longer be able to make
us so sad or despondent.
Yes, this praising and giving thanks in the
midst of suffering is not just an unrealistic
attempt to escape from one's sufferings.
When we give thanks about the glory that
suffering will bring, yes, when we praise God
for the blessing that is hidden in suffering,
then we are speaking the truth.
For when we say, yes, Father, to all
our suffering and chastenings, they will help to
transform us into the image of God.
And so suffering is the greatest present from
the hand of God.
It brings the greatest blessing, a life of
unspeakable happiness in the world to come.
And through giving thanks and praising the Lord,
we can taste this bliss already here on
earth, right in the midst of suffering.
I'll suffer gladly if that prepares me for
endless glorious life above.
In earthly sorrow, the Lord I'll follow, O
once for me that hath betrayed.
To die is living, Jesus is giving, His
people everlasting life.
So praise the suffering, sinners transforming, For everlasting
life with Christ.
This program by Basilia Schlenk has come to
you from the little land of Canaan.
If you would like a free leaflet by
the same author, please write to God Lives
and Works Today, 9849 North 40th Street, Phoenix,
Arizona, 85028-4099.
That's God Lives and Works Today, 9849 North
40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85028-4099.
God bless you.