learning about suffering.

A class that has impacted me greatly this semester was "Suffering" class.  To be honest, I haven't experienced a whole lot of suffering in my life so far.  So I do realize that there are others who have experienced far more than I have, and could really weigh in on this subject!  But even though I haven't had many trials in my life so far, I know that I will--not just because I'm going overseas to live in a jungle, but because of what God's Word tells us:

1 Peter 4:12-13:  Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.  Instead, be very glad--for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering.

Like our teacher in class said:  CENTRAL to a biblical worldview is suffering.  We live in a fallen world!  And maturity in Christ comes through suffering--not by circumventing it.

We really should never be surprised when we suffer, or when we see suffering in the world.  This world is not heaven!  Although we do have that amazing hope, we must wait, because this world is not a playground--it is a war zone!

Phil. 1:29:  "For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ, but also the privilege of suffering for Him."  

It is so easy to read this stuff and agree with it in my head, but how will I handle it when I truly do experience suffering?  How will I handle it when we have to:

•  hug our family and friends goodbye in just a little over a year?
•  experience culture shock?  
• get bit by poisonous centipedes, or get malaria?  
• Or when I have to say goodbye to my husband for weeks as he treks through the jungle checking out tribal locations for us to live in, or builds our jungle house?
• Or when we have to say goodbye to our 18-year old Kaine, leaving him in America--and we fly back to Papua New Guinea?

Who knows what our future will bring.  All I know for sure is, it won't be easy, because we live on Planet Earth!  Suffering and trials happen.  

So, when I think of all of this, I can do one of 2 things:

#1:  get very anxious

#2:  RENEW MY MIND in God's Word.

I will share just a couple of truths that are so helpful to renew my mind with.  

 

• God loves me--individually!  This will never never never change, no matter what my circumstances are!  His love for me will always be constant.  This past semester I can see in countless ways the ways that God has shown love to me--individually.  He has been so good.  Which should never be surprising, right??  Psalm 139 is a great passage to study--prepare to be amazed :)

• And Jesus tells me in His Word:  "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  in the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world!" (John 16:33).  Not that he will fix my circumstances, or make things all comfortable for me, but that he will give me peace in the midst of suffering.  

Wow, I am so thankful for God's Word.  I pray that my mind will continue to be renewed in these truths as we move forward in our journey to Papua New Guinea.