When Your Heart Hurts!

There have been hurting hearts and suffering since sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden so long ago.  I don't think anyone enjoys suffering, but we all experience it at times (some more than others) as we journey through this life.  Yesterday I ran across this little article, written by Fletcher Spruce, that I had kept from an old Sunday School paper. 

If you are going through a time of suffering in your life, I trust that some of these 17 little thoughts will be an encouragement to your heart today!

     1.  Suffering is universal.  Everyone is exposed.  Salvation is not an insurance policy against trouble.
     2.  God permits it.  He could have prevented it, but He didn't.
     3.  Why do you suffer?  Perhaps only God knows.  Perhaps He is not in a hurry to answer your "Why"?  Learn patience, then, in suffering.
     4.  Do not blame God for your suffering.  He suffered too!  Blame sin!  God made a world free from suffering because it was free from sin.  But when sin came, suffering came.  When there is no more sin, there will be no more suffering.
     5.  Do not blame yourself as you suffer.
     6.  Do not indulge in self-pity.
     7.  Do not advertise your suffering.  God knows and cares.
     8.  You may suffer innocently, through no fault of your own.
     9.  The scoundrel who deserves to suffer often goes scot-free.  Do not let this shake your faith, for you do not know all the facts -- nor all the future.
    10.  Have a forgiving spirit toward those who may have caused your undeserved suffering -- even if they do not deserve forgiveness.
    11.  Let God punish those who deserve to be punished.  Let Him be their Judge -- and yours.  Should He be merciful with your enemies, remember He was also merciful with you.
    12.  Avoid resentment in your suffering.
    13.  If you suffer innocently, let God vindicate you.  He is better able to do this than you are.
    14.  Let God talk to you through your suffering.  It's time to listen.
    15.  Time is in your favor.  Let time help heal your hurt.
    16.  Suffering is temporary.  You are immortal.  God is eternal.
    17.  Suffering, like rain, will make roses or mud, depending on how it is received."

May we be able to say with Job --
             "He knoweth the way that I take:  when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.  My foot hath held His steps, His way have I kept, and not declined."