When Suffering Brings Progress
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.” (2Cor 4:7-8)
“But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.” (Acts 12:24)
You are warmly welcome! The Chapel Council and Management heartily appreciate you for your good generosity during the hosting our Assistant Bishop. We thank God for the successful celebration.
What does suffering as a Christian mean? Just like today, good men and women in the Old and New Testament suffered – God’s faithful servant! For example, Daniel the upright kingdom officer was maliced by his colleagues who tricked the king into a bad law; Daniel was fed to hungry lions, but they knew his innocence better than everyone else, and they refused to eat him. Things turned around quickly: all other gods were overthrown and the God of Daniel exalted, with the king’s decree: “I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God”. Indeed, suffering in God’s will always brings progress; many can testify with Paul as carrying precious treasure in vulnerable earthen vessels; it will all end in victory and great joy from God.
At the heart of the book of Acts we find heart-breaking episodes that could almost have heralded the death of what had started only months ago on the day of Pentecost. As the Church took off in the power of the Holy Spirit, it was met with tough persecution at the hands of both leading Jews and the ruling Roman imperialists. In Chapter 12, James is killed and Peter imprisoned; these were in Jesus’ inner circle and were indeed the pre-eminent apostles. Was it Herod’s method to ‘cut off the head’ and scatter the rest of the body? The early and untimely death of potent James will forever remain a puzzle to anyone who dares think about his journey with his Master; much more ministry was expected of him – far reaching missionary journeys and church plants, and powerful revolutionary testimonies, or perhaps even writing the ‘Gospel according to James’ as one who shared in closer fellowship. What do you think the other disciples thought when James was killed?
That ‘the word of God continued to spread and flourish’ despite the persecutions and difficulties and suffering is testament of the invincibility of the Holy Spirit’s work. Nothing and no one can come against Him – not earthly rulers, not human weakness, not forces of darkness, not primitive cultures – absolutely nothing. Questions may linger about some painful seasons or incidents in your Christian walk; but when you keep attentive, led by the Holy Spirit, it will always bring progress and strength to you and to the Church. Apart from being saved, you need to give yourself as an agent of propagating the Word of God; in so labouring, all suffering brings progress. God bless you all.