SUFFER WELL

Job 5:11 For wherefore of my strength, that I persevere? Or wherefore of my duration, that my soul permits suffering.

In the same way that the Big Three disciples and Jesus met with Moses and Elijah on that transfiguring mountainside, I wonder if Paul didn’t have the same opportunity somewhere along the way with Job’s friend, Eliphas.

 If Romans 5:3-5 isn’t a reincarnation of this Jobian verse about suffering and perseverance, then I don’t know what.

 The strength of Job and Paul’s confidence is certainly the ticket, but I dare say, to see the two in action is a rarity, I’m sure.

 So many Bible studies and yet so few suffering activists. “My soul permits suffering,” can also be translated, “My life permits suffering.” Either way, kudos to the one who can permit suffering long enough that will lead the way to perseverance and strength.

 Remember the familiar saying back in the 90’s, “Perception is reality.” Well, indeed a strange reality has seeped its way into the core of Christendom, that ‘prayer works’ to get one out of suffering. Suffering is erroneously perceived as a danger zone to avoid rather than what the biblical prescription is, and that is to persevere when in it, to endure the long haul of it.

 I didn’t say it wasn’t going to suck. Let’s not get too carried away. Suffering stinks in so many ways.

Humility as suffering is endured, hurts too.

Spiritual development is a fancy term for flesh-ripping pain. Heart-circumcision is bloody business. These things put together equal suffering.

Toss in some of the Twenty Commands of Jesus, and the next thing you know, suffering smoothly sails into perseverance, and there, my friend, you’ll find yourself stronger than ever.