Posts with the tag “suffering”

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” - Galatians 5:22-23   When you put on Christ, it’s more than a change in behavior, it’s a transformation of your entire being. This isn’t about adopting new habits or following a set of rules, it’s about experiencing a profound change within that shifts the way you see and i...  Read More

"Yet you are holding on to my name and did not deny your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death among you, where Satan lives." - Revelation 2:13   In Revelation 2:13, Jesus extends a powerful compliment to the church at Pergamum. Despite living in a place described as “where Satan’s throne is,” they held on to His name and did not deny their faith. This ...  Read More

“Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer.” - Revelation 2:10)   Jesus never promised that following Him would make life easier. In fact, He explicitly warned of the opposite. In John 16:33, He said, “You will have suffering in this world.” This is a reality that the early Christians in Smyrna knew all too well. They were persecuted, beaten, and under immense pressure. Jesus acknowledged th...  Read More

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:9-12 As we continue our journey through the secrets of sacrifice, we arrive at the fourth flesh hook: Fellowship....  Read More

"About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' (which means 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?')." - Matthew 27:46   In the midst of His crucifixion, Jesus uttered a cry of anguish that resonates with the depths of human suffering. His words, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" reveal not only the intense physical pain He was experienc...  Read More

"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5   Reflecting on the portrayal of the crucifixion, it's easy to recognize how our modern depictions often fall short of capturing the true horror and brutality of the cross. We may have grown up witnessing Passion Plays, wher...  Read More

"He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem." - Isaiah 53:3   Today, I want us to take a look at the emotional suffering that Jesus endured before the cross. As we reflect on his journey, we gain insight into the depth of his love and the significance of his sacrifice...  Read More

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 Let’s dive into a truth that, despite the pain it addresses, carries a glimmer of hope: Although suffering isn’t good, God can use it to accomplish good. Now, you won’t find a single line in the Bible claiming that God is the author of evil and suffering. ...  Read More

“In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 Twenty-two years in ministry have brought me face to face with the most challenging question: Why? Why do we encounter the heart-wrenching scenes of abandoned children in orphanages longing for love? Why do families face devastating accidents, leaving children orphaned? Why do we witness th...  Read More

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 If you are a believer (or even if you are not) at some point, you will find yourself asking the age-old question: Why would a good God allow evil and suffering? The world we inhabit is marred by abuse, racism, wars, and various forms of injustice. Daily, we bear witness to the harsh reali...  Read More