“Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’ “Matthew 19:26

Suffering and Sacrifice

A friend reminded me recently of a quote from a teaching Floyd gave in April, 2011, to our school here in Cape Town. He wrote down Floyd’s words verbatim in his notes:

“A gospel of prosperity will not bring transformation to the world. Rather, a theology of suffering and sacrifice will. It wasn’t prosperity that drove Paul to the nations. It was suffering. It wasn’t prosperity that led Jesus to Calvary. It was suffering and sacrifice.”

The friend said these words seemed to flow right from Floyd’s heart. I’ve reflected on them a number of times. Perhaps they were prophetic. I can’t say, but I know Floyd believed them.

Suffering and hard times are a “gift” that isn’t appreciated. I can’t say that I’m a fan. And yet I see the beauty, the good things that come out of suffering that can’t come any other way. There has been beauty on this long unexpected journey. I’m grateful for it even though it has been hard.

And now, after fresh prayers, we wait to see if God will release Floyd from this suffering. We wait in His presence with expectant hearts. Perhaps the answer will be grace to continue to persevere rather than release. All I can do is keep trusting our good Father!

We often pray for the “mountain” of difficulty in our lives to be moved. We’ve struggled with a problem, a conflict, a trial, a suffering. It feels like a huge mountain in our life. I’ve learned that God usually doesn’t change or remove the mountain—He changes us. I’ve been changed by this journey we’ve been on. I’m grateful for the changes He’s brought in my life.

There have been “key” times of prayer all along our journey. It feels like a puzzle….  and God puts different pieces in place at different times. I trust that He’ll finish the puzzle in His way and in His time.

“Great, Healing God, we know You have appointed the times and seasons of our lives. We ask You to bring glory to Your Name through whatever has been allowed in our lives. We ask for renewed intimacy with You, and we trust You with all outcomes. We love You. Amen.”