Living With Chronic Pain – Spiritual Fitness – Trials Are Instruments
Some of the worst doctrinal mistakes I observe within modern Christianity deal directly with the topic of suffering. It’s as if the believer of faith is not supposed to ever suffer any hardships if they’re really living their lives for God.
It’s the human way of combating fear, focusing on self-preservation by living successfully in this world and then trying to keep the other foot on the righteous path for God. This way of living is like trying to mix vinegar with water.
Simply put, this type of lifestyle negates the true workings of trials, which refine the quality of who we are and help us to discover our true purpose for living. Straightforwardly, the righteous of faith are not exempt from suffering, particularly when it seems completely horrendous and absolutely unfair.
Regarding suffering, many people react to it fearfully, not so much frightened about the actual mode of what causes their pain or discomfort, but more so about how much loss might occur as a result of their affliction. As we build up our lives, it’s even more painful to see the walls of our identity completely shattered. We’re left empty, feeling last among those we try to impress with our accomplishments, as well as being spiritually bankrupt when exposed without any perceived support and comfort.
In essence, that’s what painful trials do. Trials are instruments for spiritual fitness. Walls of idolatry and self-preservation are torn down for an exposure of the human soul to encounter the one and true God.
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