In this day and age, tragedy strikes where you least expect it. I mean, pick a spot on this planet that isn’t in crisis, and you’ll see that there isn’t a place that isn’t going through one. Fires, floods, famine, poverty, persecution, violence, name your pick, and it’s happening alright, as ever before… to tell you honestly, I don’t think the world is getting any better. And with all this turmoil and catastrophic events that is not only taking place around us, but may also be with-in us… what kind of attitude should we have?? An attitude that FEARS or WORRIES?? Or that which REJOICES??
Two Sundays ago, our pastor went through the book of I Peter 4:12- 19 which was about suffering for being a Christian. It’s really awesome to know that in our suffering we should also rejoice because we partake in the SUFFERING of CHRIST, so that WE may also be glorified with HIS GLORY (I Peter 4:13). Isn’t that cool?! I think it is, it gives me motivation, that despite whatever is happening to me now, PRAISE the LORD because I know the trials I go through on earth, purifies me for CHRIST. It may sound odd to rejoice in SUFFERING, but once your in the RIGHT altitude with your Maker (as my pastor said), you’ll realize that the attitude you have towards suffering will change.
A great example he shared with us was EXERCISING. You see when you exercise, you build stamina and resistance, and you become fit and disciplined. The more you get into it, the higher the level of endurance and strength... no more panting, greater distance, and a healthier body. So if we correlate EXERCISING and the ALTITUDE of Faith with have towards our Heavenly Father, I guess we can see a resemblance. The higher our relationship is with Jesus, the more disciplined and the greater resistance we have towards turmoil, catastrophes, trials and challenges that we face. You see, kong physically fit ka, you think ma knock out ka right away?? I don’t think so, dali rako makabangon dude! So if we are also RIGHT with GOD, then trials that come your way are CHICKEN FEED nah… you won’t be under the curse of depression, worry, self-pity and fear… your on a higher level, an altitude that brings you closer to GOD and away from grief. But when your not RIGHT with GOD, then what do you think will happen?? I guess everything opposite of what I just said, and sad to say being in that kind of position isn’t easy, it’s tiring, wasting, and decaying… not only to the flesh, but to our spirit.
So remember, SUFFERING isn’t bad, as long as you’re on the right altitude, then you’ll have the right attitude, the kind that rejoices because it is through suffering that we are disciplined, strengthened and purified.
