Why?

Last Sunday in our class, we discussed why suffering and pain are part of our existence.

Through the pain, through the suffering, through the trials, through the bad stuff, Romans 8:37-39 tells us we "are more than conquerors."

"More than conquerors." What is a conqueror? It's one who achieves complete victory and domination over one's opposition. Complete victory. Total domination.

In Christ, we are more than victors. More than dominators over the things that cause us to suffer.

How can that be?

Could it be that "overcoming" pain and suffering in a physical sense isn't the point?

When we think of complete victory over physical pain and suffering, we naturally think about physical healing. But Scripture tells us that in Christ, we are more than victors over physical pain. Sickness, suffering, pain...they can't really touch who we really are in Christ.

When we look at suffering from an eternal viewpoint (and that is really hard to do in the midst of it), we find hope. Suffering and pain are temporary. Someday, Jesus will wipe all the pain away. Jesus will wipe out all the suffering. No more tears.

We have an eternal hope...even in the midst of ugly suffering. Let's help each other remember that eternal hope. Let's not try to rationalize suffering or defend God in the presence of pain. Let's instead remind each other of who we really are in Christ Jesus.....More Than Conquerors.

In class, I mentioned I thought that in Heaven we'd all potentially find the answer to the question, "why suffering?" Dawn H. stopped me afterward and correctly observed that, when we get to Heaven, we won't care about "why?" anymore in the awesome presence of our Heavenly Father.

That, my friends, is hope.

A Perfect World?

From a worldly point of view, a perfect world would not include pain or suffering.

This week in our class discussion, we covered some of the implications of a pain free world. It's important that we understand that such a world may not be all it's cracked up to be.

In looking at the Genesis story, we explored how our freedom to choose is connected to the fact that there is pain and suffering in the world.

Think about how God felt when He decided to let Adam and Eve choose to eat the apple. He knew their would be hurt and pain, but He also knew that if He eliminated their ability to choose, our existence would be meaningless

What makes us uniquely human, besides that thumb you have on your hand, and the ability to symbolize in our minds, is our free agency. God gave to humans, over all other animals, the freedom to consciously choose our path. We are unique in that we can choose.

We can choose to walk with God, or to hide from him (just as Adam and Eve chose in Genesis 3:8-9).

Ultimately, this ability to choose gives meaning and purpose to our individual lives. It is important, regardless of our circumstances, to keep the eternal perspective in view as we live life.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 tells us that we should view pain and suffering as temporary. Keep the faith in the midst of these times because God is going to do something about it. One day, he will remove pain and suffering from the equation.

Remember, this too shall pass.

That's hard to embrace and believe, especially if we are in the midst of pain and suffering...but it is true! It really is! And we need to remind each other of that Truth when appropriate.

Sometimes, life is too overwhelming to really believe it, and we need others to help us remember. We're all in this together and we need to urge each other on in the faith, especially during times of suffering.

You may be suffering so much, you can't believe "this too shall pass". You may not be capable, at some point, to even believe that God is good and that He shares your hurt. You may not be able to believe that He is going to do away with pain and suffering someday.

That's OK. I'll believe for you. And I only ask that when I come upon a time when I can't believe, that you will believe for me.

Pray for each other this week, especially those we know of personally who are going through tough times. Believe for each other!

A Long Obedience

In class this week, we wrapped up our study of John Ortberg's book, The Life You've Always Wanted.

I enjoyed our study and our discussions over the past three months as we've focused on this book and the Scriptural principles behind it. I hope you have also.

Recall that quote from atheist Friedrich Nietzsche that we discussed:

"The essential thing 'in heaven and earth' is…that there should be a long obedience in the same direction; there thereby results, and has always resulted in the long run, something which has made life worth living….”

While Nietzsche was an atheist, this quote is steeped in Truth.

The journey of the morphing Christian requires a long obedience. To me, that means that when we get knocked down or bumped around by life, we need to make sure we get right back up and continue pressing toward Christ likeness.

Below are some lesson notes I had to rush through to complete our class on Sunday. Take some time to reflect on Philippians 3 and answer the questions for yourself. Feel free to post any comments or observations if you feel so moved.

Lesson notes

The Journey will require the right confidence, the right attitude, the right perspective and the right frame of mind.

Philippians 3:3 The Right Confidence
If we’re not to put our confidence in the flesh, where do we put our confidence and what does that mean to you?

Philippians 3:7-9 The Right Attitude
What “attitude” is reflected in these verses? How does that contrast to the attitude of the world? (Recall, Ashley's observation about the faith of Abraham in Genesis 22: "We'll be back..." For more insight on Abraham's faith, check out Hebrews 11:17-19)

Philippians 3:12-14 The Right Perspective
What kind of perspective does Paul have in these verses regarding transformation? When we stumble, how may this passage help us get up and keep going?

Philippians 3:16 The Right Frame of Mind
What is key to “living up to what we’ve already attained? What do you do to "remember" the things you've read in Scripture, learned in class or heard in a Sermon.

Whatever hand your dealt in life, keep pushing ahead! Keep morphing and don't give up!!!