Sunday, June 12, 2011

on suffering

The normal Christian life is one that boasts only in the cross–the blazing center of God’s glory–and does it while bearing the cross (Luke 14:27). Bearing the cross is the means by which we are increasingly liberated to boast in the cross.

Suffering is God’s design in this sin-soaked world (Romans 8:20).
It portrays sin’s horror for the world to see.
It punishes sin’s guilt for those who do not believe in Christ.
It breaks sin’s power for those who take up their cross and follow Jesus.
And because sin is the belittling of the all-satisfying glory of God, the suffering that breaks its power is a severe mercy.

Whatever makes us more and more able to enjoy making much of God is a mercy. For there is no greater joy than joy in the greatness of God. And if we must suffer to see this and savor it most deeply, then suffering is a mercy. And Christ’s call to take up our cross and join him on the Calvary road is love.
~John Piper in Don't Waist Your Life.

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