Do you know that ‘fear of suffering’ have led many to early graves and regrettable end? “Because of the suffering and difficulty I was facing, I sold my new born baby just to survive. Right now, Father, my heart is heavy, I feel God is punishing me for what I did years back. I am seriously suffering even after seeking greener pastures abroad, I am still jobless and broke. Please say a prayer for me, I want to take my life and end this circle of suffering”, was a distress call I received sometime ago.
Do you think God is truly ‘punishing’ this lady for her actions? Do you feel she deserves what she’s passing through?
Whatever your judgements are, pause and think for a moment those times you compromised standards in order to avoid suffering. Think of those moments you settled for ‘easy ways’ of success without putting much effort, and how many times you tried those shortcuts and failed. That is what the fear of suffering does. It tells you that you can be successful without suffering or hard work!
Are you going through a difficult phase in your life right now, and many thoughts are swinging through your mind, this message is for you. Before you take a decision, continue reading slowly…
Hebrews 12:5-7,11-13
Have you forgotten that encouraging text in which you are addressed as sons? My son, when the Lord corrects you, do not treat it lightly; but do not get discouraged when he reprimands you. For the Lord trains the ones that he loves and he punishes all those that he acknowledges as his sons. Suffering is part of your training; God is treating you as his sons. Has there ever been any son whose father did not train him? Of course, any punishment is most painful at the time, and far from pleasant; but later, in those on whom it has been used, it bears fruit in peace and goodness. So hold up your limp arms and steady your trembling knees and smooth out the path you tread; then the injured limb will not be wrenched, it will grow strong again.
POINTS FOR REFLECTION
1. Nothing in life is Easy
There are principles in life set by God that you must obey in order to rise and be successful. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Christian or not, once you obey these principles you’ll be successful. One is the principle that hard work yields success; another is the principle of sowing in order to reap. The tempter knows this and in order to deceive, tempts you with shortcuts to make you believe you can reach your goal without hurdles.
Sometimes, the tempter disguises in people around us, to give us false hopes or easy way out that promises radical or life-changing results for three easy payments, little time commitments, or little efforts. Many are scammed daily to believe they will be successful by paying some money and putting in a minimal amount of work. Some are scammed to believe all their problems will be solved if they sow ‘financial seeds’ into certain church or ministry, etc.
2. How to overcome the fear of suffering:
a. Work on your weaknesses
Weaknesses are the negative things we do that make us feel good, and for this reason, they develop easily. They develop easily because we neglected to work certain attributes or ignored certain actions.
b. Do more work
You must realise the first assignment God gave man is work: to till and keep the garden. That is our purpose on earth which comes with a Divine mandate to be fruitful and successful (Gen 1:28). The bible says in Psalm 128:2 that God blesses the work of our hands (not our laziness). Another scripture says ‘If any would not work, neither should he eat’ (2 Thes 3:10)
c. Follow the kingdom Principle
The Bible says seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matt 6:33). The kingdom Principle is promoting, supporting and advancing the work of God through evangelism.
TASK
Take a moment of deep reflection. Remember, wisdom emerges from the experience of suffering. When things go well, we rarely stop to ask questions about our lives. A difficult situation, however, often forces us out of our mindless state, causing us to reflect on our experiences. Examine your heart now and discover your fears and pray Psalm 46.
I Pray for you
In the name of Jesus, I banish the spirit of fear from you: for God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Tim 1:7)
Thank you father for this reflection on the reality of our life. I pray for the grace never to seek the false easy way of success but to continue to take one day at a time relying & listening to the voice of God in all situations 🙏
Thank you for this wonderful food for thoughts