Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Jesus Christ who heals

Bible portion  Acts 14:8-15
 Vs 15: We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God”

In this passage, we see the mighty power of our God.  We read throughout Scripture so many wondrous miracles, yet many of us (myself included) can’t help but wonder, “but what about me?”. Many times when we beg the Lord to save us from whatever ails us, we may not get an answer for days, months, or even years. And thoughts go racing through our heads. “Maybe I’m just not praying hard enough” or “maybe God just doesn’t really care all that much about me.”  Why will God not heal me?
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Not just some things. ALL things, including suffering. So how are we as Christians to make sense of suffering? I think we often view suffering as an obstacle to our salvation, that if I did not suffer, I would love God more perfectly. But is this true? No! Scripture contains countless stories of individuals who, through suffering, came to recognize their need for God. They grew in deeper friendship with God because of their experience of 
 suffering. Now, we must firmly establish that suffering itself is not good. When Jesus Christ came to save humanity from the Evil One, He did not avoid suffering or eliminate it. No, He experienced it in its entirety, and He redeemed mankind through His suffering. His immense love transformed the cross from a symbol of agony to a symbol of hope. And we call this day GOOD Friday for that very reason.
So how should we approach suffering? First, we should bring to the Lord all of our petitions. Pray with confident and expectant faith! He is a loving Father, and He wants to hear our prayers. And there are many cases in which He does provide some physical healing. But if, in His wisdom, He does not desire that you be physically healed right now, frequently remind yourself that He loves you, He is using this suffering to bring about the salvation of yourself and those whom you love, and He is with you through it all. Entrust yourself entirely to the Lord, even if you cannot understand why you must 
 suffer so. I recognize wholeheartedly that you may struggle with the dilemma of suffering. It makes complete sense! This issue can not be resolved solely through the intellect. The transformation in suffering that Christ offers can only be truly learned experientially. He does not permit random and meaningless suffering in your life. Nothing escapes the loving providence of our God. He loves you with great affection, and He longs to encounter you in the midst of suffering. In moments of joy and in times of challenge, we can find solace in the assurance that His mighty power is at work. May you come to know the sweetness found beneath the cross simply because Jesus is there besides us.    

Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Make me realize that every cross You give to me is an opportunity to grow in love of You. Grant me the grace to rely on You throughout the journey, for I haven’t the strength to bear the cross on my own. Be with me, dear Jesus, as I seek to follow You till my last day and unto eternity
     Thought for the Day
Suffering is the kiss of Jesus, a sign that you have come so close to Jesus on the cross that he can kiss you - Mothe               
  Reuben Philip
    LIMTC, New York

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