Since Saturday, just five days back, we have watched God bring two broken people to us for help and healing. One we found during door-to-door visitation and the other God prompted to find us. Listening to their stories can be overwhelming. There is no easy answer for all that has befallen them. Health, family, and loneliness, are just at the top of a long list. And as they talk of their hurts you hear how God is far away, how He seems not to answer their prayers, how He appears to have abandoned them at their time of greatest need. Truly these people are broken, lost, and alone.
Just minutes after one departed the office, I looked into Scripture to see what advice God gave for Shepherding such. I found myself in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, the passage concerning Paul's thorn. As I looked at verse nine, I wondered, "How does someone get to the point in their suffering where they can say 'I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.'?" I'm not sure I have the answer.
Looking elsewhere I found a table in the Life Application that listed six questions to ask when you find yourself in a time of suffering:
1. Am I being punished by God for sin?
2. Is Satan attacking me as I try to survive as a Christian?
3. Am I being prepared for a special service, learning to be compassionate to those who suffer?
4. Am I specifically selected for testing, like Job?
5. Is my suffering a result of natural consequences, for which I am not directly responsible?
6. Is my suffering due to some unknown reason?
I thought, "Well Paul must have come to a place in his life where he had an answer to those questions." To have such confidence that one can glory in his suffering and to recognize the result of such confidence is remarkable.
How long did it take? Did Paul respond in this fashion immediately or did some time pass? We see three pleadings. Maybe not long at all. What does one do while he waits upon God for such and understanding? 2 Thessalonians 1:1-6 gives some insight. During times of suffering we must exercise patience and faith.
Probably if we are faithful in our ministry to these two broken people, God will drive some more in our direction. God is always working in our area. Here is an opportunity to be a part of that work. Let us love these people and share our Savior with them. And let us teach them that as they wait upon God, and for the confidence He brings, they need to demonstrate faith and patience.
Please visit our church at www.wakefieldbible.org
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment