#SufferingHappens#Inevitable

Written by cycleguy on February 15th, 2020

 

Life is filled with joys. It is also filled with tragedies. No one is immune. As I wrote the introduction to this week’s sermon, it was two days after the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and others in a helicopter crash. We are, of course, drawn to the death of a celebrity. Recently actor, Kirk Douglas, died at 103. On the death of Kobe Bryant (January 26th) thousands of loved ones across the globe suffered the same kind of tragedy.

Let me give you an example. On November 22, 1963 what happened?  If you stated that was the date of President John F. Kennedy’s death you would be 100% correct. But did you also know two other very significant men died that day? Aldous Huxley, who wrote the futuristic novel Brave New World, was one of them. Another one was C.S.Lewis. Ever heard of him?

Tragedy, suffering and trials are all part of life. They are inevitable. I mean, it’s not like anyone sits there and says, “Bring them on Lord! I’m ready!” but they are a fact of life. For someone to say the follower of Christ is not to suffer or should speak them out of existence has something stamped across his forehead: FALSE TEACHER. 

I’m continuing my year-long TRUTH theme with a sermon called Suffering Happens. Not only is it inevitable, it is something we need to realize tests our faithfulness. I tire of those hucksters who say, “Christians should not suffer. If they do their faith is not strong enough.” Hogwash. Hogwash. And more hogwash. Please pray for me and for us this Sunday. It will be much appreciated.

 

10 Comments so far ↓

  1. I knew that C. S. Lewis died in 1963, but didn’t know it was on the same day that JFK was assassinated. Yes, suffering does happen – if you are living and breathing, it will come to you at some point or another. Praying for you as ever, Bill!

  2. Lisa notes says:

    Suffering is something we’d all avoid given the choice, but so much of my growth has come through times of suffering. I still wouldn’t choose it, but I’m grateful that God knows how to redeem it. I’m sure your sermon was wonderful this morning, Bill.

    • cycleguy says:

      I agree Lisa. I do think we would all avoid it if we could however, as you state, so much growth comes through suffering. As for the sermon>? I’m a lousy judge. 🙂

  3. floyd says:

    Interesting facts.

    I’m with you, Bill. If Jesus Christ Himself told us we will have tribulation in this world then to say anything otherwise is an anti Christ. Period.

    Sorry I caught this late.

  4. Yes, of course I’ll pray for you. The list of people I pray for grows longer daily. Perhaps I should prepare several lists under different headings: family, friends, blog friends, and so on.

    Yes, I also agree that Christians, and everyone else do suffer. My naive self asks: WHY? Is God testing our faith? My naivety also asks: Why does He test my faith if He already knows how I will react to suffering?

    I’d be interested in your views on WHY we suffer? WHY do we grow old and have many pains and illnesses?

    I have my theories, but then perhaps God would not agree.

    God bless.

    • cycleguy says:

      Thanks Victor for your prayers. I do appreciate them. Your challenge is an interesting one…one that will take some time for formulate. Please give me some time.