Our pastor preached a really good sermon on Sunday. In it, he talked about blessing, and suffering, and how they are related.
He said that suffering is not necessarily an indication that God's blessing is being withheld from our lives. Rather, it may be in indication that we are living in a more Christlike manner, bringing upon ourselves the suffering and blessing that God promises.
I Peter 3:14,17 "But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong."
Matthew 5 tells that who is blessed? Those who are the poor in spirit, the mourners, the gentle, the hungry, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who have been pursecuted.
I thought it interesting that he pointed out that the suffering people listed above are blessed. Perhaps blessing is, in part, suffering?! Living for Jesus invites suffering into our lives. If we are living like Christ, we will suffer like Christ. He furthermore suggested that suffering is mainly external, and the blessing that comes paired with suffering, is what overflows from our hearts as God is at work. The blessing and suffering run hand in hand.
I guess there are plenty of examples, if we look. Paul comes to mind immediately, but really, if you look at Bible character who was considered blessed, they had a tremendous share of suffering that came with it...I thought it was pretty cool. The whole idea that suffering could be an indication that we are living lives pleasing to God, rather vice versa.
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