Because this present light suffering, will produce for us eternal glory that surpasses everything (2Corinthians 4:17)
I once heard a Christian seminar entitled, "How to Live Without Stress". Such unrealistic expectations stress me out instantly! Indeed, we all long to be released from the many pressures of life.
A Christian friend of mine, whose family is going through difficult times, admits to feeling let down by God. He said, "I have prayed, suffered, and held on to God's promises, but nothing has changed. What is more annoying is that I know that He actually has the power to deliver us from this problem. I have seen Him do it before, but now He shut up."
Larry Crabb, in his book Inside Out, emphasizes that our only hope for experiencing complete deliverance from adversity is to return to heaven with Jesus. "Until that time comes," he said, "we'll still be moaning or pretending all is well." He added, "But modern Christianity actually tries to divert us from the unpleasant experience of complaining."
My friend complained and he didn't cover it up. Like most of us, he too wanted things to change. But in reality, something did change -- it changed!
Paul assures us in 2 Corinthians 4:17 that our present sufferings are light and fleeting when compared to the important and eternal changes they bring about in our lives. We are currently lamenting, but later there will be glory in us (Romans 8:18) --JEY
GOD OFTEN USES SETTLEMENTS
TO MAKE US FORWARD
TO MAKE US FORWARD
*) Take from Daily Reflections