Posted by rayww on February 27, 2006, at 20:50:07
In reply to Suffering, posted by deirdrehbrt on February 23, 2006, at 16:51:56
Social standards (or lack of) affect us spiritually, physically, and mentally. The church has standards that deal with how we treat our fellow man, and how we should avoid addictive substances and behaviors, etc. Freedom from or freedom to can be a big question, but there's usually a choice somewhere.
Abraham was 84 years old and hadn't had any kids yet God had promised him a huge posterity. God commanded him to take Hagar, his wife's maid, to wife, and Ishmael was born. Then God told Abraham that he and his first wife, Sarah who was 90 years old (and he was 100) would have a son, and Isaac was born. Years later God told Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, and without question they (Abraham and Isaac) proceeded. God tempted Abraham to see if he could trust his obedience. When Abraham passed the test God stopped Abraham from killing his son, and then chose Isaac to perpetuate the covenant he had made with Abraham, proving that God will fulfill his promises, even though our faith may be tested and tried over a period of time. Abraham remained faithful and obedient.
We can't understand suffering because we can't see the whole picture. That's where faith comes into play. It takes faith to believe, and to be obedient because we know if God commands (Thou shalt or Thou shalt not), it must be for our good, whether or not it is pleasant.
We can go to others for help, but to whom can we go? We go to people who have suffered and out of their experience in suffering they offer sympathy and condolences as a blessing to those now in need. Could they do this had they not suffered themselves?
Is not this God's purpose in causing his children to suffer? He wants them to become more like himself. God has suffered far more than man ever did or ever will, and is therefore our source of sympathy and consolation.
Everything fits neatly into life's puzzle if we turn to God. It's when we rebel against him that the pieces don't fit. And as much as we would like to make our own rules, or obey just the ones we like, that won't work in the larger scheme of things.
A lot of people need a lot of help. Isn't there something you can do for someone because of how you have suffered in your life, and what you understand because of it? As we reach out to help others more of the puzzle comes into view, and hope increases. Faith, Hope, & Charity, the three key elements to the Gospel.
poster:rayww
thread:612519
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20051105/msgs/614037.html