3.22-Things to remember in the storms of suffering.

3.22-

In a storm of tiredness and sickness it is important that we get as close, spiritually, to Dr. Jesus, as possible.

John 6.

¹⁶ When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, ¹⁷ where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. ¹⁸ A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. ¹⁹ When they had rowed about three or four miles,^[b] they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. ²⁰ But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” ²¹ Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

I like to think that when the storm has gotten me to a place where I am ready to receive Jesus into the boat of my suffering, then I have reached where I was headed.

We were made by God.  When we die we return to God in eternity. 

Psalm 119.

⁷³ Your hands made me and formed me;
    give me understanding to learn your commands.

Food spoils.  When we came home from trip to Atlanta there was several things that had to be thrown out.  Celery. Lettuce. Milk. Pizza. It is important not to waste food, but also critical to health we not eat spoiled food. 

John 6.

²⁷ Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

I was drawn to our Father in heaven in several ways prior to my own decisions.

I was born as a citizen of a country where there was freedom of religion and opportunity.  I was born into a family that had followed Jesus for many years prior to my birth.  They took me to worship Jesus in a community of faith when I was only one month old.  These are decisions others made that helped draw me to God as my heavenly Father. 

God also provided me with ability to read and a New Testament in my own language.  This opened a huge door for me to come to faith in Jesus.  Jesus said that all who follow Him were actually drawn and taught by  God the Father in some way.

John 6.39,40

³⁹ And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. ⁴⁰ For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

6.44

⁴ “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.

6.65

⁶⁵ He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”

To move to draw close to Jesus in a time of need is to arrive at the firm ground to handle life’s suffering.  He is the bread of life and with Him we have no other spiritual hunger.  He is the water of life and with Him our thirst is quenched.

John 6.

³⁵ Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. ³⁶ But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. ³⁷ All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. ³⁸ For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. ³⁹ And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. ⁴⁰ For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

In times of sickness and suffering we may feel that God is losing us.  No. Jesus promises that He loses none whom the Father has given Him.  Suffering can teach us more about life on this earth and how it can point us to heaven where there is no spoiling.

Hebrews 5.

⁷ During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. ⁸ Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered ⁹ and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him ¹⁰ and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

A part of our life is to learn to led humans who suffering.  Jesus learned from what He suffered.  I find that in times of suffering I am learning the art of gentleness and the work of endurance.  In the last few days after arriving home from our 18 day audacious mission trip that tiredness can lead to sickness.  We need to be willing to withdraw from the crowds of people and be isolated with our God for His special teaching moments.  This is the food that does not spoil.  It points us to eternal life.

Larry Wishard

3.15.19