There "is" joy in suffering

     I realize that is a pretty bold statement to make, but I feel compelled to say it. There are many different forms of suffering.  Physical, mental, social or whatever one you may be experiencing. I believe our God has no limitations on the degree of suffering, nor do I believe that He takes lightly even the merest of it. All suffering is equal. It is to the "degree" we place it in. A paper cut on a finger can be quite painful. But is it equal to a severing of a limb? Surely not, but the intent of the heart in the suffering and offering to God "is" the same. 

     Nothing is lost, no suffering gone unseen, when we truly give whatever pain of heart, body or soul when offered to God. He is the ultimate sufferer. 

     Not one of us can truly say with conviction that we would have suffered the way Jesus did, especially for strangers, unless the suffering would be offered to God. As an incense to the Mighty Throne, it raises up to the ears of God. To look down with Joy at our willingness to acknowledge Him as the great and holy rescuer that He is. 

     We have become soft and comfortable in our forming of ideas that trouble of any kind cannot be handled except without panic or fear. We forget that God is with us and as He promised to never leave us. No matter what. Yet we run and hide, away from His strengthening grace, only to succumb to the fatalities of our own human weakness. We want to rush the relief. Our prayers and lamentations become as systematic echoes as we forget that the place where we are, at this very moment, is the place God has already destined us to be. The only difference is whether or not we choose to take this place we stand in, with total surrender to His loving Mercy and Grace. 

     We will surely keep stumbling, yes, even falling to our knees, but it is in the resignation and desire of our offering that God is waiting for our surrender. Every earnest prayer of offering up of our suffering to God is like placing a rose before His feet. He smiles and gently caresses our heads and wipes our tears away. 

     The King of doctors is ready to bind up our wounds and stand us up a erect once again. May we never forget how Jesus stood silent at all of the blows and insults by the very people who saw Him cure the sick and raise the dead. The ultimate sufferer did it for us,  all the while offering His sacrifice of His Body and Blood for the salvation of our souls. Let Us return the favor and now do it for Him. Our crown awaits us.