Posted by rayww on December 14, 2004, at 0:41:56
In reply to Re: Evolution of law, posted by Toph on December 13, 2004, at 19:34:47
> > ...then speculate. why are you here?
>
> OK, if I had to speculate based on my half century of experience, I would have to conclude that I am here to suffer.
>....And then what?
....Why?
....Who?
....Where?Now, construct a paragraph with a beginning, middle and clincher at the end. In the middle answer the questions, which, what, why, who, where. Then conclude with a sum-up statement.
I'm not trying to be uncaring or callous. If I think of something as a paragraph and focus on the structure, the paragraph shares the emotion of the subject, and it becomes easier to explore.
If nothing else, write a short paragraph about suffering in general, answering the same questions as which, where, why, how, who. Examine it and see what you have learned, or what someone else has learned, or why you have had to suffer.
I acknowledge your suffering, but you are not alone. No matter who we are there is always someone greater than and lesser than ourselves. It does no good to compare ourselves to others because you are you and I am me and we are all here to learn the basics of life and love. We make mistakes and even if our mistakes lead to suffering, we still learn from them. You are not alone.
Faith can make you whole. Believe in Christ. He took upon Himself your pain and suffering, not just your sin. He will share your load if you reach out to Him. He has the power to heal.
What is the purpose of suffering? Through suffering we discover our own vulnerability and recognize our dependance upon God. Through suffering we get to know ourselves and stretch our level of endurance. Through suffering we get to know the emotions felt by Jesus Christ. Use your suffering to get to know the Savior. No matter how much we suffer, He has suffered more and understands what we are going through. There has to be purpose because life's experiences are for a reason.
There are two directions we can chose in the midst of our pain.
1. We can curse and blame God and reject Him, or
2. We can lean on God and reach out to Him, draw near and rely on Him.
If we allow our trials to bring us closer to God, He will not forsake us. We can sync to His power and feel peace and comfort in the midst of it. I know many people who have chosen either direction. The end of the story is much better than the beginning when the person choses to lean on God in his suffering. I've been there too. I have faith in the direction that leads me to God. Sometimes all one has to hang on to is that faith. Faith always preceeds the miracle and will light the path of the dark trail. Choose God.Now, look for the beginning, middle, and clinchers in my paragraphs and see if I figured out how to write one.
poster:rayww
thread:427721
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20041120/msgs/429263.html