Teach me to number my days!
A collection of quotes, sermons, and other worthwhile items.
New Series of Articles Beginning on Suffering
This series is devoted to fellow Christians who are suffering with pain or experiencing some sort of trouble in life. For many their struggle begins with trying to understand why God has allowed this painful situation to happen to them.
If this describes you, you're not alone, I too struggle with suffering. No one is exempt. Even though I know (head knowledge) that God has a purpose for ordaining difficulties in my life, it's usually hard to keep that in focus.
We all desire wisdom and understanding in dealing with difficult circumstances. I hope by sharing this collection of articles at least one person will be helped and God will be glorified.
If this describes you, you're not alone, I too struggle with suffering. No one is exempt. Even though I know (head knowledge) that God has a purpose for ordaining difficulties in my life, it's usually hard to keep that in focus.
We all desire wisdom and understanding in dealing with difficult circumstances. I hope by sharing this collection of articles at least one person will be helped and God will be glorified.
About Me
- Trudy
- Kansas, United States
- My husband and I live in south central Kansas, that's pretty much in the center of the US or what they call the "midwest." We farm, raise cattle and foundation quarter horses, a dog and three cats. Our five children are now adults with families of their own. Altogether we've been blessed with 15 grandchildren.
MY FACEBOOK PROFILE
About My Blog
This is where I've chosen to gather my thoughts, along with the wise and beneficial thoughts of others.
Like all Christians, I struggle. My Christian life is not what it should be. I long for a closer, deeper fellowship with God. My marriage and other relationships are often less than perfect. I desire to be more obedient to God. I'm past the 50 mark, closer to 70 now than I am 50. At times that frightens me. Aches and pains, part of the aging process, are my daily reminders. Fibromyalgia became my constant companion 30 years ago. Life is less than perfect. To quote Jerry Bridges, "Life is difficult. We live in a sin cursed world, ravaged not only by the forces of nature and disease, but even more so by people’s sinful actions towards one another. No one is exempt."
Here, I hope to record my journey, answers to the problems and questions of life, that God has so graciously given me. I hope to set them here as a reminder to me and, I hope, as an encouragement to you.
Like all Christians, I struggle. My Christian life is not what it should be. I long for a closer, deeper fellowship with God. My marriage and other relationships are often less than perfect. I desire to be more obedient to God. I'm past the 50 mark, closer to 70 now than I am 50. At times that frightens me. Aches and pains, part of the aging process, are my daily reminders. Fibromyalgia became my constant companion 30 years ago. Life is less than perfect. To quote Jerry Bridges, "Life is difficult. We live in a sin cursed world, ravaged not only by the forces of nature and disease, but even more so by people’s sinful actions towards one another. No one is exempt."
Here, I hope to record my journey, answers to the problems and questions of life, that God has so graciously given me. I hope to set them here as a reminder to me and, I hope, as an encouragement to you.
Blog Archive
Blogs I Like
- Musings of an English Muffin
- Slovic Gospel Association
- Rebecca Writes
- Amy’s Humble Musings
- Pulpit Magazine
- Desiring God - Blog
- Reformation Theology
- Biblical Christianity
- Eternal Perspectives (Randy Alcorn’s Blog)
- Dr. Mohler's Blog
- Pyromaniacs
- Challies Dot Com
- VOM's PersecutionBlog
- The Voice of Martyrs
MAKING COMMENTS
Allowing comments is something I've not tried before and in someways I feel I'm missing out. So I've decided to allow them at least on a trial basis, but first I felt that I must lay some ground rules:
Don't expect me to reply to your comments. Although I might participate in the comments from time to time, I make no promise that I’ll reply to arguments or questions.
Say whatever you like; you may disagree with me if you like; but please keep your comments within the parameters of Christian civility. I will automatically delete comments which contain any profanity or unwholesome words.
Finally, no ‘anonymous’ comments. All anonymous comments will be automatically deleted.
Sorry but if you break these rules more than twice and I will delete any further comments you might post.
Don't expect me to reply to your comments. Although I might participate in the comments from time to time, I make no promise that I’ll reply to arguments or questions.
Say whatever you like; you may disagree with me if you like; but please keep your comments within the parameters of Christian civility. I will automatically delete comments which contain any profanity or unwholesome words.
Finally, no ‘anonymous’ comments. All anonymous comments will be automatically deleted.
Sorry but if you break these rules more than twice and I will delete any further comments you might post.
Prayer Updates From The Voice of the Martyrs
VOM USA Prayer Update for March 10, 2009
The Voice of the Martyrs USA: http://www.persecution.com/
NIGERIA – Christians Killed, Homes Burned and Believers Displaced – VOM Sources
Numerous Christians were killed and more than 500 were displaced during violence against believers in Bauchi state, Nigeria, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Following Christians’ disapproval of Muslims’ using their church grounds for Islamic Friday prayers, Muslims set fire to their own mosque on Feb. 21, and blamed Christians. Muslims attacked Christians with guns, double-edged daggers and sticks and burned their homes. Pray for injured believers and for displaced Christians currently living in a school. Ask God to encourage them, and believe He will provide for their needs as most have lost all their possessions.
Psalm 91
VIETNAM – Christian Worker Killed – VOM Sources
A Christian woman was killed by her son in North Vietnam following an argument about her belief in Christ, according to VOM sources. The mother accepted Christ, but the son who was not a Christian disapproved of his mother becoming a Christian. Recently, the conflict between mother and son developed into a big fight; and the son killed the mother. Pray for believers in North Vietnam concerned for their safety because of this incident. Pray for this family as they deal with the loss of their mother. Ask God to give the family strength to forgive the young man who killed his mother.
Romans 8:34-39
INDIA – Christian Persecution Continues – VOM Sources* CHHATTISGARH – On Jan. 5, police arrested 10 Christians, including Shankar Sona, an associate pastor, on charges of defiling a Hindu temple under Section 295 of the Indian Penal Code. On Christmas day, Bastar for Christ Church held a picnic attended by 150 Christians in Dendewada district. They left behind some food and plates on the picnic grounds and Hindu extremists collected these items and piled them inside a small Hindu temple and took photographs as evidence of defilement. They later lodged a complaint at a police station. The pastors were released on bail the same day.*
ORISSA – VOM contacts report that children in Kandhamal district will lose a year of school due to attacks against Christians in that district by Hindu extremists in August 2008. The attacks also destroyed education certificates and diplomas that believers need in order to either further their education or obtain jobs. Pray for persecuted believers in India. Ask God to give them strength to forgive their persecutors, for the Lord to encourage and protect them.
2 Thessalonians 1:3-5
The Voice of the Martyrs USA: http://www.persecution.com/
Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith
in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. - I Thessalonians 1:4
NIGERIA – Christians Killed, Homes Burned and Believers Displaced – VOM Sources
Numerous Christians were killed and more than 500 were displaced during violence against believers in Bauchi state, Nigeria, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Following Christians’ disapproval of Muslims’ using their church grounds for Islamic Friday prayers, Muslims set fire to their own mosque on Feb. 21, and blamed Christians. Muslims attacked Christians with guns, double-edged daggers and sticks and burned their homes. Pray for injured believers and for displaced Christians currently living in a school. Ask God to encourage them, and believe He will provide for their needs as most have lost all their possessions.
Psalm 91
VIETNAM – Christian Worker Killed – VOM Sources
A Christian woman was killed by her son in North Vietnam following an argument about her belief in Christ, according to VOM sources. The mother accepted Christ, but the son who was not a Christian disapproved of his mother becoming a Christian. Recently, the conflict between mother and son developed into a big fight; and the son killed the mother. Pray for believers in North Vietnam concerned for their safety because of this incident. Pray for this family as they deal with the loss of their mother. Ask God to give the family strength to forgive the young man who killed his mother.
Romans 8:34-39
INDIA – Christian Persecution Continues – VOM Sources* CHHATTISGARH – On Jan. 5, police arrested 10 Christians, including Shankar Sona, an associate pastor, on charges of defiling a Hindu temple under Section 295 of the Indian Penal Code. On Christmas day, Bastar for Christ Church held a picnic attended by 150 Christians in Dendewada district. They left behind some food and plates on the picnic grounds and Hindu extremists collected these items and piled them inside a small Hindu temple and took photographs as evidence of defilement. They later lodged a complaint at a police station. The pastors were released on bail the same day.*
ORISSA – VOM contacts report that children in Kandhamal district will lose a year of school due to attacks against Christians in that district by Hindu extremists in August 2008. The attacks also destroyed education certificates and diplomas that believers need in order to either further their education or obtain jobs. Pray for persecuted believers in India. Ask God to give them strength to forgive their persecutors, for the Lord to encourage and protect them.
2 Thessalonians 1:3-5
4 comments:
Hi Trudy,
Thank you for posting this blog about Christian suffering. The surety of trials is something that is not discussed often enough in Christian circles IMHO. I am in my early 30s and have been married for 3 years. My husband, who is close to the same age, has had many health challenges including diabetes, infection, amputation, and recently lupus. His diabetes has been brought mostly under control, and he is able to function pretty well most of the time, although he struggles with fatigue from lupus. Most recently, we've struggled with fertility problems where both of us are a factor.
I know that life can be hard. Sometimes we both struggle with the fact that God has the ability to heal, but He is the one who is sovereign and able to decide if healing will take place on this side of heaven. For a while, I thought that if I had radical enough faith that God would come thru. I now know that I was basically trying to manipulate God, which is sin. How do you keep your faith in God's ability to heal, while still trusting that His ways are perfect even if healing doesn't come?
Dear Nicole
I sincerely apologize for taking so long with my answer. I’ve thought and prayed about how I would answer you for a long time. It has been difficult for me to answer not knowing more about you and your circumstances. Plus circumstances here in my life have also aided in slowing down my response.
My greatest desire is to not offend you, you have been through enough pain already and I have no desire to add to that pain or discourage you from seeking help from other Christians in any way. So I hope I do not offend in any way. When corresponding, there is always a greater possibility that a misunderstanding could happen.
I want you to know that I’m so glad you commented with your excellent question. While it is true that our greatest support should always be from the Lord, there are times when it is good to seek guidance, encouragement and even physical support from other believers.
Your question does not have a simple answer. I could say, “Well you just continue to have faith and not let it falter.” But there is so much behind those words that need to be explained that the words themselves without their explanation would seem completely empty. So what I will do in the next few installments on my blog is to answer your question as best as I can. I hope you are still there and that what I offer will be helpful in guiding you to peace and joy in your relationship with our Lord and His plans for your lives. Please remember that I am neither a writer nor a theologian so my explanation will be not be complete and may be lacking in many ways. But my prayer is that it will be sufficient to guide you and your husband in the right direction and to encourage you to continue in your faith. May God bless you and your husband in your journey (ies).
---Trudy
Nichole - I finally have a reply for you. It will follow in the form of several posts.
In the mean time, I recommend some websites, articles and books that have helped me, maybe they will help you.
How to Talk to God | CCEF
http://www.ccef.org/blog/how-talk-god
Dr. David Powlison shares a personal story of suffering
| CCEF
http://www.ccef.org/dr-david-powlison-shares-personal-story-suffering
How do I think rightly about recurrent miscarriages? CCEF
http://www.ccef.org/atc/think-rightly-about-miscarriages
Don’t Waste Your Cancer
| CCEF
http://www.ccef.org/don%E2%80%99t-waste-your-cancer
David Powlison on Suffering: A Personal Story | CCEF
http://www.ccef.org/video-david-powlison-suffering-personal-story
“Peace, be still”: Learning
Psalm 131 by Heart | CCEF
http://www.ccef.org/sites/default/files/pdf/dp_psalm131_1803002.pdf
I've found, the best book you can read on learning to trust God is:
Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
http://www.timelesschristianbooks.com/trustinggodh036.aspx
Any of John Piper's sermons on suffering, fear & anxiety etc |
http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/by-topic
Finally Nicole, to give you the most exact answer I can, I've chosen to take a few quotes from chapter one of Jerry Bridges book "Trusting God.” I’m quoting Jerry Bridges because he says what I would say much more eloquently and precisely than I can express it.
“I sympathize with those who find it difficult to trust God in adversity. I have been there often enough myself to know something of the distress, the dispair, and the darkness that fill our souls when we wonder if God truly cares about our plight... The circumstances in which we must trust God often appear irrational and inexplicable... The circumstances of our lives frequently appear to be dreadful and grim or perhaps calamitous and tragic. Obeying God is worked out within well-defined boundaries of God's revealed will. Trusting God is worked out in an arena that has not boundaries. We do not know the extent, the duration, or the frequency of the painful, adverse circumstances in which we must frequently trust God. We are always coping with the unknown.
Yet it is just as important to trust God as it is to obey Him...
In order to trust God, we must always view our adverse circumstances through the eyes of faith, not of sense. And just as the faith of salvation comes thorough hearing the message of the gospel (Romans 10:17),so the faith to trust God in adversity comes through the Word of God alone. It is only from the Scriptures that we find an adequate view of God’s relationship to and involvement in our painful circumstances. It is only from Scriptures, applied to our hearts by the Holy Spirit, that we receive the grace to trust God in adversity...
The Scriptures teach us three essential truths about God – truths we must believe if we are to trust Him in adversity.
• God is completely sovereign
• God is infinite in wisdom
• God is perfect in love
Someone has expressed these three truths as they relate to us in this way: “God in His love always wills what is best for us. In His wisdom He always knows what best, and in His sovereignty He has the power to bring it about “...
Because God’s sacrifice of His Son for our sins is such an amazing act of love toward us, we tend to overlook that it was for Jesus an excruciating experience beyond all we can imagine. It was for Jesus in His humanity a calamity sufficient to cause Him to pray, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me” (Matthew 26:39), but He did not waver in His assertion of God’s sovereign control…
Rather than being offended over the Bible’s assertion of God’s sovereignty in both good and calamity, believers should be comforted by it.
Whatever our particular calamity or adversity may be, we may be sure that our Father has a loving purpose in it...
God’s sovereignty is also exercised in infinite wisdom, far beyond our ability to comprehend…
Paul acknowledged what we must acknowledge if we are to trust God. God’s plan and His ways of working out His plan are frequently beyond our ability to fathom and understand. We must learn to trust when we don’t understand...
...we must become so convinced of Gods sovereignty, love and wisdom that we appropriate them in our daily circumstances; that we learn to trust God in the midst of our pain, whatever form it may take...
In order to trust God we must know Him in an intimate, personal way. David said in Psalm 9:10, “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you,” To know God’s name is to know Him in an intimate, personal way. It is more than just knowing facts about God. It is coming into a deeper personal relationship with Him as a result of seeking Him in the midst of our personal pain and discovering Him to be trustworthy. It is only as we know God in this personal way that we come to trust Him. “
Taken from: Trusting In God: Even When Life Hurts, Bridges, Jerry, NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO, 1988, excerpted from pp. 18, 19, 20
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