Anyways, I'm mostly back to normal again. My balance is a wee bit wobbly, but every day my vision and my balance seems to be getting better and better.
I'll be going to see the doctor today as well though. Let's hope this isn't anything permanent and it'll get back to NORMAL firm... stable... everything again.
Lessons in Suffering
So... While I was sick, I was thinking about suffering. What the Bible says about suffering. What suffering means. Why we suffer. And so on.
Colossians 1:24
24 I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for you, and am filling up in my flesh, in His stead, the deficiencies of the afflictions of Christ, for His body, which is the ecclesia
As amazing as it sounds Paul writes that there were deficiencies in the afflictions of Christ. Can you imagine that? The 6 hour torture fest and it was still deficient?
But that's what Paul says, and this is the reason the Body of Christ goes through suffering - we suffer in this present day instead of Christ himself in order to make up those deficiencies. So even 2000 years LATER, the Body of Christ is STILL suffering for the sake of the world. This is simply amazing to me.
Believers need to rejoice in suffering, no matter what kind it is, whether it is illness, persecution, betrayal, or poverty, whatever form it takes - that suffering is added TO the Body of Christ.
I am convinced that each person's suffering is unique to their own person. Look at Helen Keller for instance, she grew up without sight or hearing. For me that would be torture unendurable, yet she transformed it into an amazing ministry to praise God from.
I believe God creates us, his broken vessels, to glorify him in our own unique ways. Our suffering is unique to how he has created us, and what we can do. There is no suffering that is any less than someone else's. For someone suffering could be as "silly" as losing their car keys, for another it could be as major as being told they have cancer.
I'm using hyperbole, but my point is this; God has created a set of circumstances in advance for us to glorify him. Whatever those circumstances are, they are no less significant than another believer's. Whether in great wealth or great pain, it is GOD who sets out his creation to his glory.
Ephesians 2:10
10 For His achievement are we, being created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God makes ready beforehand, that we should be walking in them.
God always has a purpose in everything he does. Whether it is immediately clear or not, you can be sure his purposes are at work in your suffering. Be faithful, and trust - this suffering and trial that you endure is to YOUR benefit and will result in not only glorifying him, but glorifying him THROUGH you.
James 1:12
Happy is the man who is enduring trial, for, becoming qualified, he will be obtaining the wreath of life, which He promises to those loving Him.
This may be written to the Israelites, but the message applies to us as well. There IS great reward for enduring suffering.
Romans 8:28
Now we are aware that God is working all together for the good of those who are loving God, who are called according to the purpose
ALL things... Even if it's stubbing your toe on a chair. ALL things are working together for the good of those who are called by God!!
I hope this gives you peace, and great joy. Do not despair, whatever your circumstances.
2 Corinthians 4:17
For the momentary lightness of our affliction is producing for us a transcendently transcendent eonian burden of glory,
Imagine!!! A Glory so great that it is a BURDEN.
Peace, and God bless!
Travis
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