WE ARE SUSTAINED
IN ALL SUFFERING – because God is steadfast in grace and love for each of us. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This was on our bathroom mirror for more than thirteen years in our last parsonage. We had a metal medicine cabinet, and it gave me the opportunity to put magnets on the frame. I had several but this was front and center. I was drawn to buy it in the first place because this verse is so meaningful to me. I find the statement an enigma, and yet so reassuring, as I am sure many of us do. By definition, an enigma is inexplicable and so is faith. Hebrews 11 is the source, and in the previous chapter 10, we hear this: “32 Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. 33 Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. 34 You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. 35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.”
This passage picks up on our discussion recently. Our own suffering is something repeated by many before us, and is a crucible to try our faith and see if it holds up. God is steadfast so we will be sustained through whatever we go through, that the world puts in our way, and love is always waiting, a grace-filled forgiving love, no matter how we handle our trials. Suffering will help build our confidence in knowing that never-failing love for us will be there, along the path and at the end. We are all suffering. Some of us are getting through it better than others. Some of us are trusting God. Never-failing God, we thank you for the faith you help us build through suffering because you love us throughout our trials. Guide our hearts to make the best decisions we can, so that we may be faithful to you and loving to others, who also suffer. May we remember the pattern Christ showed us, and find your sustaining power as we walk forward in your grace. Amen. PEACE
ordinary prayer 