Undying Love

God is love. Many are the afflictions of the righteous. These two sentences seem so contradictory. God loves His children unconditionally but suffering comes into each of our lives in different ways and in varying degrees. The Old Testament book of Job speaks about Job as God’s most beloved servant. God allowed him to be tested and afflicted with all kinds of trouble. When Job was questioned he said, “shall we accept good from God and not accept adversity?” The bible also tells us that God never allows more trials into our lives than we are able to endure. God will prove Himself. As we experience God’s grace and we grow in our faith, our little faith will become bigger faith.

2Corinthians 1:3,4 says, “What a wonderful God we have – He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does He do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us”. When we know God’s grace and receive the gift of faith, we want to share our testimony and God’s love with others.

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit”.
Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds”.
Isaiah 49:13 says, “The Lord has comforted His people, and will have compassion upon them in their sorrow”
Psalm 23:4 says, “Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way”.

Christ suffered and died for us. 2Corinthians 1:7 assures us that when we share in Christ’s suffering, we will also share in His glory. What a wonderful promise!

I found a bookmark in my bible. The verse on it, in uncomplicated language, explains what I have been trying to say:

God has not promised skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through;
God has not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain;
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above;
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.