SUFFERING IN PERSPECTIVE

Suffering is God's crucible, (1 Pet. 1:7)
Our value to refine;
Since God is our example (1 Pet. 2:20,21)
It is His grand design.
Not only to believe on Him (Phil. 1;29,30)
But to suffer for His sake;
It is by taking up the Cross (Lk. 14:27)
That He does disciples make. (1 Pet. 5:10)

The godly shall suffer persecution- (2 Tim. 3:12)
A source of great pain;
But we have His promise:
"If we suffer, we will also reign". (2 Tim. 2:12)
Jesus learned obedience by suffering (Heb. 5:8)
Which took place without the gate; (Heb. 13:12)
Being partakers of His sufferings (1 Pet. 4:12,13)
Allows us His passion to relate.

Though no ne enjoys suffering
It perfects our walk in Him (1 Pet. 5:10)-
Establishing, strengthening, settling,
So our vision will not dim.
When suffering has had its way
And the way of the Cross we've trod,
We can comfort them in any trouble (2 Cor. 1:3,4)
As we ourselves are comforted of God.


C. R. Solomon, Korea 11-25-08