2 TI 2.12 if we endure, we will also reign with him…
Endurance is critical to the Christian life. We must endure, because God has ordained that it takes time to form the character of Christ in us. It takes time for the Spirit to produce his fruit in us. And it takes time for us to put do death our remaining sin.
Charles Simeon was opposed and persecuted for 49 years in his pastorate at Holy Trinity in Cambridge. At age 71, his friend Joseph Gurney asked him how he had endured all those years of suffering. He answered:
“My dear brother, we must not mind a little suffering for Christ’s sake. When I am getting through a hedge, if my head and shoulders are safely through, I can bear the pricking of my legs. Let us rejoice in the remembrance that our holy Head has surmounted all His suffering and triumphed over death. Let us follow Him patiently; we shall soon be partakers of His victory.” *
We must not mind a little suffering, because in the end we will be transformed into the image of Christ, free from sin, filled with the fruit of the Spirit, sanctified, purified, glorified, a spotless bride, prepared to gaze on the face of Christ. No one in heaven will regret one second of suffering endured for Christ. We’ll say the pain we endured was but momentary and slight compared to the eternal weight of glory it prepared for us in heaven. We’ll say it would be worth enduring a thousand lifetimes of suffering for all the joy we’ll experience forever in Jesus’ presence.
We must not mind a little suffering. We’ll soon be partakers of Christ’s victory.
*From H.C.G. Moule, Charles Simeon, quoted by John Piper in, “Thoughts at 60 on Third Campus Thrills and 1 Corinthians 15:58″
photo by Hair-Flick
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for setting the focus on Heaven!!! Our suffering is momentary. Was reading this mornin, a study on the book of James and it was wonderful to be reminded that ” 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.” James 1:12
Hi Caroline,
Thanks for your comments! What a great Scripture from James – thanks for adding that!
I read your post while sitting at the side of my son’s hospital bed waiting for answers that still haven’t come. Thank you. Even now I can see God forming my boy’s heart and those of myself, my husband, and my other children. For that, we are eternally grateful.
Hi Michelle,
I am so sorry to hear that your son is sick – it sounds very serious. If there is any way I can pray for you guys and your son, please email me or let me know here.
Mark,
You may join us in prayers of praise and thanksgiving!! Our sweet 12 year old boy came home yesterday, Nov. 9, with a diagnosis of mesenteric lymphadenitis-basically infection of lymph glands in stomach lining-a severe case-rare complication of the flu which causes excruciating pain. He is on high doses of antibiotics but is off of morphine and on a high dose of motrin. We are so grateful to the Lord that Jonny is on the mend and thankful to our church family and so many others who stormed heaven with many prayers. Our son experienced the love of Jesus this week through many people- the children’s director who brought him a whoopie cushion, the Junior High leaders who came and made him laugh and smile in the way only they can, his grandma who drove an hour daily just to sit with him, and his foootball team who presented him with a team autographed ball. Sorry for rambling. We rejoice trusting and knowing that God is good all the time and all the time God is good–even when things are so very heartbreaking. Not to be the pithy happy slappy Christian but we truly felt the peace of his providential presence the entire time, even in the midst of tears. Please keep praying on Jonathan’s behalf as he continues praying. Thank you so much for your blog- God has used you to grow me in a mighty way.
Hi Michelle,
As I read your comments to my wife tears filled my eyes. I’m so grateful the Lord had mercy on your son, you and your family, and so sad to hear about his suffering. I will pray for him. Sounds like you have a wonderful church and great mom and friends. If I have to go to the hospital I hope somebody brings me a whoopie cushion. Thank you for your kind words.
Love that Simeon quote! WOW.
Thanks Mark for your encouragement/challenge in approaching suffering with an eternal perspective.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Hi Erik,
Yeah, I love that quote by Simeon – I try to preach it to myself: I must not mind a little suffering… Thanks for your kind words.
My Brother Mark,
Back in the hospital with my sweet boy Jonathan. His symptoms are worsening and pain increasing. We still have little to no answers.
Pray for our boy- that he not become discouraged or weary in his suffering. Pray that if it is God’s will that his pain will subside. Pray for wisdom for his doctors and blessings upon his wonderful nurses.
Pray for our hearts- watching our son hurt is almost more than we can bare. Pray that we will perservere and find the gift of faith and endurance
Michelle,
I’m so sad to hear Jonathan is back in the hospital. I just prayed for him and will continue to. It is so so painful to watch our children suffer. My daughter has had chronic migraine headaches for the last 8 years, since she was 14, so I have some small idea of how hard it must be for you and for your son.
Mark,
We wanted to let you know that we brought our boy home from the hospital last night. We are very grateful to have our family all back under one roof again. He is still in pain and struggling but they feel it can be managed at home. Thank You Jesus! He has been diagnosed with mono, migraines, low thyroid, and a fractured foot (absolutely no idea how he got that-his 6th fracture!). Next week he will be tested for Celiac Disease. Pray for his continued recovery. Pray for our other children-they our pretty much on meltdown after so many days of upheaval. Pray for my husband Kirk and I-that our hearts our revived and our spirits lifted, that we don’t lose faith, and that we clearly see and meet the needs of all our children.
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.
Hi Michelle,
I have prayed for your son several times this week – he’s on my list – I’m so glad to hear you and he are home. Poor little guy – sounds like he’s really miserable. I’ll keep praying for you guys. I know you know this, but Jesus is greater than all your challenges put together, and he loves you guys more than you know.