Reflect Light Outward in the Storm
Through suffering these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. -- 2 Corinthians 4:10
We don’t like to suffer. We don’t want to do without. Or to be sick. Or to have hurt feelings. We simply want to live a happy life and then go to heaven when we’re done.
Life doesn’t work that way.
That’s no surprise to many of us. We’ve lived long enough to understand that wonderful people get sick. We’ve experienced the devastating loss unexpected death brings. We’ve been laid off, told no, passed over for a promotion and suffered through a down economy. We know that life is not all good. It doesn’t stop us from wanting it to be.
Or expecting it to be. There are few things sadder than a Christian who secretly believes that bad things only happen to people who somehow deserve them. Because that foundation the Christian always thought was there, never really was. They didn’t understand and their faith is shaken to the core.
One of two things happen at this point: They either come to understand that faith isn’t based on good things or they let bad circumstances destroy the shallow faith they once claimed. If they cling to what they know, they’ll come through the crisis stronger than ever. Their faith will grow deep roots that are unshakeable.
Life is not always fun or fair. A friend was arrested for what turned out to be a clerical error at the drug store. Another friend lives with a chronic disease that likely will one day claim her life. We face unexpected divorces, illnesses and death. We are human and we make mistakes we never intended and circumstances we never planned for.
How we react to these circumstances shows others more than who we are. It shows others who Jesus is as He lives inside of us. We can exhibit grace and compassion. We can show strength and peace. We can continue to care for others no matter our circumstances.
The Apostle Paul gave us a wonderful example of grace under trying circumstances. Prison. Beatings. A shipwreck. A trial. And death. Jesus had 12 disciples. Judas committed suicide after he betrayed Jesus. Of the 11 remaining, 10 died violently. Only John survived to old age. Yet we think we should somehow be immune, protected, shielded, from the tragedies of this world?
We will all face trials in this lifetime. God’s strength will carry us through and allow us to reflect His light outward even as we weather
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