Sufferings in Christ
Our Family is currently going through a a crisis with sickness.My grandad’s who is more my dad,is currently undergoing a deterioration of his respiratory functions.About last week he collapsed with the doctors giving us the definite time.This incident shook our family and left us all in tears.We almost lost hope and were preparing and consoling each other for the dreaded day to end.
Just when we were all so lost,a miraculous recovery of consciousness began for my grandad.Though his condition has not improved,he is out of danger.We have always seen my grandad in all his glory a strong and influential man.To now see him where his body has become frail,lean and weak,is much despair to us.
It is always the wish of every family member to pray for ease or release from these suffering.
It is popular belief in India that those that whom death quickly visit must have done great good in their lifetime.I myself started succumbing prey to this belief.My mind could not accept my ever perfect loving and strong grandad had to undergo these painful events of sickness.That is when god brought to me the realization of JOB.It was an extrodinary good man whom god himself praised that was put to the severest of tests.
Sickness is also a trial by itself.Not every righteous man can undergo it without grumbling.My grandad in all this 1 1/2 year has never grumbled.I have seen his humor at all times.When he has had to move to a plain diet of oats.I remember him saying “If I were to eat all the OATS,what would happen to the poor horses,wouldn’t they have to go hungry!”.Not many would have the courage.To be honest this feeble old man has now become the strongest influential man.
Here are few scriptures:
James 5(NKJV):11
11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
James 1(ESV):12
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Lamentations 3:25,26 (NKJV)
25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the Lord.
Matthew 24(NKJV):1
13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
II Corin 4:16-18
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
1 Peter 1(NKJV):6-9
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen[a] you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
Psalm 22 (NKJV)
24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;
Nor has He hidden His face from Him;
But when He cried to Him, He heard.
2 Corinthians 1(NKJV):7
7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
To my friends who are going through suffering my prayers are with you.
Blessings!!!
(This post is dedicated to my Grandfather)