“Coffee with Christ”

(Romans 8:16-18)

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Suffering! Nobody wants to suffer! When we do, the first question we ask is why! Why me? Of course the answer to that question is a complex one. There are many reasons that God allows and even ordains and purposes suffering in or lives. Sometimes it burns away the dross and impurities out of our lives and strengthens us for the journey ahead. It enables us to be sympathetic and empathetic towards others who are suffering. Allowing us to be able to minister to others in a way we never could if we were not acquainted with their grief. At times we may suffer because of chastisement for our sin. Remember the question, “Why me”? I think the better question would be, Why not me? Do I not deserve to suffer? Do you or anyone else for that matter, not deserve much more suffering than is possible in this life? Do we not actually deserve Hell? If the sinless Son of God suffered and died for me, should I not be acquainted with His suffering? If by the hand of the Lord I am allowed to suffer, should I murmur against will of God?

(1 Peter 5:6-10)