"If life were always merry,
Our souls would seek relief
And rest from weary laughter
In the quiet arms of grief."
Doubtless all our suffering is a result of sin, but not
necessarily the sin of the sufferer. Jesus was the sinless One,
but He was also the Chief of sufferers. Paul's great and lifelong
sufferings came upon him, not because of his sins, but rather
because he had forsaken sin, and was following Jesus in a world
of sin, and seeking the salvation of his fellows. In this path
there is no escape from suffering, though there are hidden and
unspeakable consolations. "In the world ye shall have tribulation,"
said Jesus. "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution," wrote Paul.
Sooner or later, suffering in some form comes to each of us. It
may come through broken health, or pain and weariness of body; or
through mental anguish, moral distress, spiritual darkness and
uncertainty. It may come through the loss of loved ones, through
betrayal by trusted friends; or through deferred or ruined hopes,
or base ingratitude; or perhaps in unrequited toil and sacrifice
and ambitions all unfulfilled. Nothing more clearly distinguishes
the man filled with the Spirit from the man who is not than the
way each receives suffering.
One with triumphant faith and shining face and strong heart
glories in tribulation, and counts it all joy.
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