SUFFERING!

Suffering is not a word that brings joy, but I like this little story about suffering by Reuben Youngdahl.
     "I often think of the little boy I saw sitting outside of the walls of Versailles.  He was holding a little sparrow with a broken wing.  A kindly lady came along and she asked, 'Sonny, would you like me to take this sparrow home and nurse it back to health?  I promise I will bring it back to these gardens when it is healed and let it fly free again.'
      The little boy thought for a moment.  Then he said, 'If you don't mind, Madam, I will take care of the bird myself.'  He paused momentarily and added, 'Because, you see, I understand this bird.'  The woman could not quite get what that boy meant until he stood up.  Then she saw his left leg was in a cast.  Because he was crippled, he understood the suffering bird's problem.
      The God whom I know became incarnate in Jesus Christ and came into the world to learn what problems I must face in life, so that He can match the strength I may need in order to face those problems triumphantly.  That is why, when I walk with Him, I can have such confidence!"   Amen!

 If you are going through a time of suffering, I trust that you will be encouraged by this wonderful verse in Romans 8:18:  "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."  Praise the Lord!

     "Be not dismayed, what e'er betide---God will take care of you!"  Just "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand!  Build your hopes on things eternal -- Hold to God's Unchanging Hand!"
      And then when we've made it to the beautiful city of God -- Just one glimpse of His dear face, and all our sorrows will erase!  So let's bravely run the race, 'till we see Christ!!