Rejoicing in Suffering
A very good blog post on a tough subject. I will say that this is much easier said than done in the case of extreme suffering. Everything said in this article is true, but in real practice, it's very tough. So tough that I think the article needs something more, although I'm not sure what. I still think it's extremely sound and a must read.
Rejoicing in Suffering
What not to say to those who are suffering
More Things Not to Say to Those Who are Suffering by Ed Welch
Pastor Matt Chandler on Suffering Well
Pastor says cancer gives him chance to suffer well
I thought 'suffering well' was a term I made up but nothing in this world is new.
Quote on Suffering
Jesus: “Some of you they will put to death. . . . But not a hair of your head will perish.”
For decades, this verse has challenged me personally. Derek Kidner in his commentaries often refers to it. It shows that modern people have a view of happiness that is defined as a life that is going well, when often the Bible defines happiness as a life that is lived well. One ounce of sin can harm us more than ten tons of suffering, because sin ruins our soul, while suffering (if handled well) only makes us more Christ-like and joyful. So Jesus is essentially saying, “I won’t keep you from suffering, but I’ll keep you in suffering so you can triumph over it.”
--Tim Keller
See more context at Justin Taylor's blog.
R.C. Sproul on suffering, aging, and dying
Interview with R.C. Sproul on His Latest Book - Part 1
Interview with R.C. Sproul on His Latest Book - Part 2
If only being a Christian was pain free
A serious post at Stuff Christians Like:
#547. Wishing being a Christian meant a pain free life.