Burdens

[Daily verse and quote]

“My grace is sufficient for you”

2 Corinthians 12:9

The apostle Paul wanted relief from his present suffering,

and infirmity that made him feel weak.

Each time [God] said, "No. But I am with you; that is all you need.

My power shows up best in weak people."

 

God didn’t take away the problem.

Instead, He gave Paul the grace to live with it.

Difficulties burden us as we mull them over in our minds,

affecting our relationships and our outlook on life.

We as believers in Christ have a place to take these burdens.

1 Peter 5:7 tells us,

“Cast all your care upon the Lord, for He cares for you.”

[Our Daily Bread]

Naturally, God Speaks

[Sower]

46 minutes ago, Daily verse and quote said:

“My grace is sufficient for you”

2 Corinthians 12:9

The apostle Paul wanted relief from his present suffering,

and infirmity that made him feel weak.

Each time [God] said, "No. But I am with you; that is all you need.

My power shows up best in weak people."

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities,
in reproaches,
in necessities,
in persecutions,
in distresses for Christ's sake:

for when I am weak, then am I strong"
 

[bropro]

9 hours ago, Sower said:

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities,
in reproaches,
in necessities,
in persecutions,
in distresses for Christ's sake:

for when I am weak, then am I strong"
 

This is so true, but one truth in which I still struggle with. That is, taking pleasure in infirmities. But as I look for examples in scripture of this, I find Paul and Silas in prison singing praises to God as they are bound in stocks after being beaten. Then Peter and the other apostles were beaten for preaching Christ and sent away shamefully treated, but rejoicing in that they were counted worthy to suffer persecution for His sake. And Jesus taught in the beatitudes to rejoice when persecuted, for the rewards would be great. So it is a win win situation when a Christian is persecuted or afflicted, but something I still struggle with doing myself. But by the grace of God I will learn.

Gary

Edited March 19, 2022 by bropro

[Daily verse and quote]

Thank you for sharing with us the challenges you have regarding  your "infirmities". I have just prayed that God would deal with those that only He is capable of doing. He, after all, is our heavenly Father...and even earthly, caring fathers always takes care of his children's needs.

[Sower]

1 hour ago, bropro said:

So it is a win win situation when a Christian is persecuted or afflicted, but something I still struggle with doing myself. But by the grace of God I will learn.

bropro;   "So it is a win win situation when a Christian is persecuted or afflicted"

If "persecuted or afflicted" for Christ, for doing what's right, and not for some wrong doing(sin) then yes!
It's a battle for our mind.

We are in a battle most of us tend forget about, the spiritual battle, and the enemy is a seasoned warrior.
But we have to remember, we are not fighting for victory over this enemy satan, but
we are fighting from the victory of our supreme commander Christ. It is finished. The enemy is defeated.

I think I may understand some of why Paul and Silas and Peter were rejoicing, in that they were encouraged  by
their understanding of their teacher/master having already won the victory over the defeated enemy.
Their thoughts of hardships were surpassed by their joy of being already on the winning team/army.
They weren't pew sitters in the rear, but on the front lines where soldiers get wounded. Warriors for Christ.
And their sufferings would be recognized some day just as a soldier of war receives a medal of recognition.

 

Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past
by C.T. Studd

"Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,

And to God’s holy will to cleave;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

 

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.
✝️

           

 

                       

 

 

[bropro]

57 minutes ago, Sower said:

bropro;   "So it is a win win situation when a Christian is persecuted or afflicted"

If "persecuted or afflicted" for Christ, for doing what's right, and not for some wrong doing(sin) then yes!
It's a battle for our mind.

Thanks for your reply. And yes, I was referring to those being persecuted or afflicted for Christ's sake, who are self denying, cross bearing, followers of Him. Peter states there is no glory when buffeted for our own faults:

 1 Peter 2:19-20 (KJV)
¹⁹  For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
²⁰  For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

BTW, thanks for sharing the poem. I'm going to save that to my computer for future use. Have a blessed weekend.

Gary

 

[Sower]

15 minutes ago, bropro said:

BTW, thanks for sharing the poem. I'm going to save that to my computer for future use. Have a blessed weekend.

Gary

 

More by CT Studd...

Memorable C.T. Studd Quotes

• Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.
• Some wish to live within the sound of church or chapel bell, I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell...
• If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.
• The light that shines farthest, shines brightest, nearest home.
• God’s real people have always been called fanatics.
• The “romance” of a missionary is often made up of monotony and drudgery. There often is no glamor in it. It doesn’t stir a man’s spirit or blood. So don’t come out to be a missionary as an experiment. It is useless and dangerous. Only come if you feel you would rather die than not come. Don’t come if you want to make a great name or want to live long. Come if you feel there is no greater honor, after living for Christ, than to die for Him.
• The best cure for discouragement or qualms is another daring plunge of faith.
• Christ wants not nibblers of the possible, but grabbers of the impossible by faith in the omnipotence, fidelity, and wisdom of the Almighty Savior.

 

And the full poem...

Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past
by C.T. Studd

Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,

And to God’s holy will to cleave;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill.
living for self or in His will;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

__ extra stanza __

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.
✝️

Gary

[bropro]

1 hour ago, Sower said:

More by CT Studd...

Memorable C.T. Studd Quotes

• Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.
• Some wish to live within the sound of church or chapel bell, I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell...
• If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.
• The light that shines farthest, shines brightest, nearest home.
• God’s real people have always been called fanatics.
• The “romance” of a missionary is often made up of monotony and drudgery. There often is no glamor in it. It doesn’t stir a man’s spirit or blood. So don’t come out to be a missionary as an experiment. It is useless and dangerous. Only come if you feel you would rather die than not come. Don’t come if you want to make a great name or want to live long. Come if you feel there is no greater honor, after living for Christ, than to die for Him.
• The best cure for discouragement or qualms is another daring plunge of faith.
• Christ wants not nibblers of the possible, but grabbers of the impossible by faith in the omnipotence, fidelity, and wisdom of the Almighty Savior.

 

Thanks Sower. There is a lot to think about in these quotes. Have a blessed evening.

Gary