Ordained Pain- DAY ONE
Ordained Pain
by
Bryan Craig
Day One
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 NIV
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Have you heard of the "Health, Wealth and Prosperity Gospel?" It is this idea that if we are walking with God, if we are His disciple, then He will bless us with good health and with wealth and success. I really like that thought, but I'm afraid it is not true. I believe God does bless His children, but I think those blessings cannot be defined only in a worldly context. He does heal. He does give us favor in ways that prospers us at times. He does help us in our careers. But He is about much more than fulfilling our worldly desires. He is about bringing His Kingdom to this earth and making Himself known.
The verse above is one of many which explains the life a Christian should expect. Paul tells the Corinthians that we will be hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted and struck down. I'm picturing a big sign in front of a church, saying, "Come hear the Hard-Pressed, Perplexed, Persecuted and Struck Down Gospel!" I don't think that would be too appealing to the average Christian consumer. That's right...I said "consumer." Most Christians are all about "consuming." It is all about what they can get out of their relationship with Christ or from their church. In our worldliness, we think:
I want a Faith that will get me into Heaven, will give me joy and peace without much sacrifice, and one that will reap great rewards on this earth. I want a church that meets my needs and the needs of my family. I want facilities and programs that satisfy my desires.
No! No! No! This Christian life is about Christ! It is about becoming more like Him so that others can find Him through us. This is why we have to be broken through trials and hardships and persecutions. Most of us will never be crucified. The horror of that type of death sends shivers down my spine. Yet, Jesus gives us little reminders of His pain and sacrifice as we feel pain in this life. Yes, followers of Christ will experience pain, and as we endure pain and cry out to our Father just like Jesus cried out to His Father, we will experience a supernatural transaction. He doesn't necessarily take the pain away, but He gives us peace in the midst of it. Philippians 4:7 calls this peace a "peace that transcends all understanding."
And Paul also encourages us that though we will be hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted and struck down, we WILL NOT be crushed, in despair, abandoned or destroyed. Yes, we will stand strong during our suffering, and others around us will see something "other-worldly" in us that will point them to Jesus.