**Sip Saturday is written by our Saturday morning contributor, M.H. Elrich. A beautifully gifted Christian author who seeks to honor the Trinity in her writing. She hopes that her words will encourage women to draw closer to God, whether that is through her fantasy series or her weekly devotionals.
Cornerstone Scripture:
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.
-Hebrews 2:10 ESV
I would not want to be a prophet. Why? Because prophets suffered immensely for their faith. Jeremiah was cast into a cistern or a very deep well and left to die (Jeremiah 38). Hosea was forced to marry a woman who cheated on him repeatedly (Hosea 1). Ezekiel witnessed people turning to cannibalism to survive and more than likely, suffered starvation and exile alongside everyone else (Ezekiel 5). According to tradition, Isaiah was sawn in two pieces by Manassah, one of the kings of Israel. The Old Testament prophets lived with suffering.
I don’t think most people who call themselves prophets would want to sign up for a life of suffering like the Old Testament prophets. To be honest, I bet you and I don’t really want to suffer either. Who wants to experience a deadly disease or lose a loved one? Who wants to experience a life-threatening storm, earthquake, or natural disaster? Suffering is something most people avoid, not embrace.
And yet…
God tells us that because we live in a fallen world, we are bound to suffer. Sin permeates our existence, and with it, comes fallen human beings who commit evil acts. Additionally, the fallen world means that disease and natural disasters will happen. Death cannot be avoided, even for Christians.
And yet…
“...In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
-John 16:33
Jesus suffered for us. He died on the cross for our sins, and he promises that death is defeated and this life is not all there is. Death may take the body, but our souls, and eventually, our bodies, are resurrected and given new life (1 Corinthians 15). Suffering will come to an end, and even while we suffer, Scripture encourages believers to hold on (Psalm 37:10).
Continue to persevere and run the race that God has given you (1 Corinthians 9:23-25). Do not give up hope, for our suffering is not pointless (Romans 5:3-5). The suffering we experience here is nothing compared to the future glory of peace, love, and fellowship we will experience with God (Romans 8:18). Yes, suffering is painful, and it’s hard to hear from the Word when it happens. Bring your tears, your prayers, and your questions to God. He heard the prophets when they cried out to Him. He hears and draws near to you, too.
Let’s pray.
Dear Lord, I know that in this fallen world, I will experience suffering. Please help me to cling to you when that happens, not losing hope. In your Son’s name I pray, Amen.
Recently, I, M.H., had a series of medical emergencies. You can read the full story here, but if you feel led, you can also donate using this link.
Thank you very much.
Thank you! God does not waste our suffering. Our story can encourage others, even while we are in the middle of the valley.
🙏🙏🙏😎😎😎