Reflecting on the Happy Outcome of Bearing Your Cross
"For the Lord will not
cast off forever, but, though he cause
grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast
love; for he does not willingly
afflict or grieve the children of men."
(Lamentations 3:31-33, ESV)[1]
Another gem from Starck’s Prayer Book:
Another gem from Starck’s Prayer Book:
Every affliction
becomes light when there is hope that there will be a change for the better
soon. A difficult journey becomes short
when it is quickly accomplished.
Similarly, the afflicted should bear in mind that their misery will certainly have an end, maybe even in this life (my
emphasis added). It can happen with
them just as God turned to their advantage David’s flight, Hezekiah’s sickness,
Job’s distress, the widow’s tears, and the paralyzed man’s pains. Most certainly, however, God will end the
cross of the godly and turn it to their advantage at death, for then they shall
obtain the crown, the white robe, and the joy of heaven, and He will wipe away
tears from all eyes.
The afflicted should
bear in mind, when they are saddened by affliction, that their soul is being
edified by suffering, for by that means we are led to know the omnipotence,
wisdom, love, and mercy of God. By means
of their suffering and their happy outcome, their confidence has been
established and their faith strengthened.
And if the love of the world has been extinguished in them by the cross,
so that they now become more godly, more devout, more Christlike, more humble,
and more meek, they have certainly derived a huge benefit from their
cross. Thus the outcome of the cross remains a happy and blessed one, whether
the cross is brought to an end her in time or hereafter in eternity (my emphasis added) .[2]
Borrowing from a Winston
Churchill quote, country singer Rodney Atkins offers up this musical
encouragement: “If you’re going through hell, keep on moving.” The Lord God says, “Be still and know that I
am God.” Both bits of advice have their
place, but Scripture offers the greater encouragement. Don’t give up! But don’t trust in your own strength to get
you through this trial. Don’t forget to
rest and trust in the Lord and His strength.
He will help you bear your cross.
He will use your cross to refine, strengthen, and sanctify you. After all, He has already borne the biggest cross
and overcome that one—the one on Calvary where He bore all sin, suffering, and
death. Let His victory over sin, death,
and the devil be your victory, and your joy.
That is the hope that lasts to all eternity!
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