The human plight involves suffering, no way around it.  We suffer lose.  We suffer disappointments and setbacks.  We suffer through the aging process.  We suffer heartache of all shapes and sizes. But not all suffering is bad in of itself though.  We suffer through schooling to get our degree.  The soldier suffers through training to make them battle ready.  We suffer through medical procedures to help us heal.  The athlete suffers through training to make themselves the best they can be.  We at times suffer through work to make a living.  Women suffer through giving birth to bring about life.  The follower of Jesus suffers discipline to be more like Him.  We may enter into the suffering of others, because that is what loves does.   In every case one must commit to the process for the greater good. Jesus Himself, the Bible says “learned obedience by the things which He suffered” and the Bible goes on to say, “and having being perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5: 8-9).

The bible reminds us, “…Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2: 21).  Peter goes on to refer to Jesus as “the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.”

One day all human suffering is going to cease.  The bible promises in Revelation 21, “…God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

But you and I are not in heaven yet, so we must commit to the process, and more importantly commit to the “Overseer of our souls!”  Jesus is our example.  He committed Himself to the plan of salvation - “by whose stripes we are healed!”  

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope!” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Commit to the process, put your trust in Him - the Overseer of your soul!

Pastor Rodney

Ecclesiastes 12: 9-14