Pain Free?

No matter what it costs, it's always best to be on the Lord's side...

Sunday morning our Pastor brought an incredible and convicting message on choices. Specifically, he focused on choosing to suffer. We looked at Hebrews 11:24-27 that says, "By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible." Our Pastor reminded us that our world is bent on pleasure and buried in problems. Unfortunately, many believers are as well. We think that if it feels good, surely we should do it. And if it hurts, surely we must stop. Most of us feel that we haven't got time for pain. Why is that? Do we think that we are exceptions to what Scripture clearly indicates? 1 Peter 4:12 says, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." 2 Timothy 3: 12 says, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Paul goes on to say that all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Do we desire to be thoroughly equipped? We must embrace the pain, Christ, and His Word in order to be thoroughly equipped. It's a hard thing to want to suffer. It requires complete surrender and obedience. Remember that no servant is greater than his master. Think of Jesus in the garden. He asked the Lord if there were any other way than the cross. He prayed so hard he sweated drops of blood. Ultimately, He surrendered to what He knew was God's will for His life. When there is no pain, there is no gain. Surrendering has been and continues to be a process for me. I know there will be more that I must lay down to follow Him. I know there will be more times I must choose suffering rather than pleasure. But it will be for His name, His glory, His renown. It will not be in vain. We must trust Him. The more we know Him, the more we understand that it is a privilege to suffer for His sake. The permanent joys of God are far better than the passing pleasures of sin. It's about deferred gratification. Are we willing to give up some things now for what may be God's best later? Psalm 34:19 says, "A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." As hard as it can be to endure suffering, nothing compares to the cross. "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:12).