I have been reading Job this week in my bible. I really love that book.
The kids and I are studying the Passion Week Story.
I have also been reading a book called The Heavenly Man. It's about a house church planter in China who is terribly persecuted for his Pastoral activities.
These three have led me to the conclusion that I have never suffered.
It's a surprise that I can even spell "suffer." It's very similar to "surfer" or to "duffer." "Duffer" is a wonderful word, and if you have not added it to your vocabulary, perhaps today would be the day to do so. I, for instance, am more duffer than surfer. It's true.
And, no, I am not going to tell you what it means. Go look it up.
I sometimes think that I am suffering because I have an annual income that is well below the poverty level. I have come to see that this has nothing to do with suffering. Sometimes, I think I am suffering because, while my girlfriends go out for lunch and thrift store shopping, I stay home and babysit other people's children. This is not suffering, either. Sometimes I think I am suffering because men hate me and I am doomed to be a nun for the rest of my life (that's spelled N-O-N-E). This is pretty pitiful, huh?
I am so rarely beaten or imprisioned or crucified. Generally speaking, I am quite wealthy. I have clothes in abundance, a lovely home, a great car.
My whining prayers before the God of the Universe seem ridiculous in light of real Suffering.
This guy from China kept getting tortured and humiliated because he was a Christian. He nearly starved to death in prison. They did really bad stuff to him. I am so spoiled in comparison.
Or the Guy from Nazareth who was tortured to death in Jerusalem, because He was Christ. God turned His Back on this individual, which is a torment I will never experience.
Or the man from Uz who buried all 10 of his kids and lost his vast fortune all in the same day. He ended up totally sick, with friends who suggested it was some fate caused by his own hidden sin. With friends like that....?
So, here I sit. Warm and fat and loved.
I wonder if I would be a better person if I had suffered? Each of the 3 people I have been reading about changed the world through their trials. It almost makes me want to suffer. Almost.
3 comments:
I actually read the Heavenly Man 2 years ago. (yes, me) It was an unforgettable experience for me. It inspired me to not waste so much time & also to memorize scripture. While Yun literally "hid" scripture in his heart, I realized I had such a great opportunity to so this as well, and it's been an amazing thing in my life.
amazing stuff you're learning!
Yes, we as Western Christians really have not experienced true suffering - unless we have placed ourselves at risk. I know I might grouse from time to time about life but God has been extremely faithful in meeting my needs through life.
In working behind the Iron Curtain, I was to see suffering for Christ - and to see God's many mercies and blessing in action. It is a life changing, humbling experience - guaranteeing you will never be the same or live the same after.
I have never heard of Yun - but I remember reading the works of Watchman Nee back in my college days. Incrediable what that poor man went through...and his ability to overcome.
Let us see:
Duff - something you sit on, hence duffer is someone sitting.
Duff - Hilary or Haley, someone whom likes either (and needs committed).
Duff - Homer Simpson's brand of beer, someone whom consumes mass quanities?
Duff - a transient, someone whom is a transietn.
Any of these ideas close?
kjp
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