"The point is that all suffering has a purpose, it is not merely punitive, but redemptive and part of an overall plan" (emphasis mine) (From Chip Brogden, TheSchoolofChrist.org)
REDEMPTIVE
How often do we think of our suffering as being 'redemptive'? It almost doesn't make sense.
So the suffering is the means by which we are purchased? Christ's suffering, yes, but OUR suffering?
It's an ugly thought to our flesh but can we feel the truth in it?
I think, however, that we have to be careful not to be tricked into formulating our own crisis
The suffering must be the choosing of the One who knows what the value and price of pain will purchase.
Christ Himself wanted the cup to pass and I think that's the test of the validity of our trial; whether it's
'self' produced or God given.
It is all too easy for the flesh to trick us and try to orchestrate a situation that we feel will 'crucify'
our flesh, BUT, when the real, God ordained/God allowed suffering comes, we will know it
because we want to RUN! "Get me out of this Lord; it's too much for me to bear!"
Oh, it hurts, but how beautiful the suffering that brings about less of us and more of the beloved
Christ that desires to live through us.
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