titled “Quotes.” This category is dedicated to God, the people He
chooses to cross my life, and the words chosen to stream from their tongue
unto my ears. Check it frequently because He is doing some incredible things
through my friends and family.
The first quote I want to share
with you is from an unlikely source (as I am sure most will be because the Lord
works in mysterious ways). I was attending my home church, Northside Christian
Center, my first time back in Carthage when it hit me.
Pastor Aaron was talking about a recent fund raiser, held during a raining 30
degree day, that his daughter, Sarah, was helping with. She told him “Sometimes
when we serve God, we will suffer.” As soon as I heard it, I wrote it
in my “Notes” area of my bulletin and have not forgotten it. So many
people forget the tough parts of Christianity. They believe after their ticket
is punched for eternal life, its easy coasting until their life is through. It
isn’t that easy. God still has trials and obstacles for us we must overcome every
day. If we ask Him for help, our task is not complete after “Amen” is
said. He gives us people for motivation or to lend a helping hand. If we ask
for money because we can’t pay bills, does he drop 100 grand in our laps or give us
opportunities to make the money we need? If we lose a loved one and ask why,
will He tell you personally or will he speak through friends and family and
leave it to us to listen? A walk a faith is an ongoing process in which we
can’t stop moving.
I believe
Jesus Christ suffered more than anyone else has and ever will. His Father, our
Father, told Him to die so more could live. Submission. This is the root of
suffering. The choice is hard, 
but the pain comes after the first step is
taken. There are many types of suffering. I am speaking of the sufferings we cannot
entirely hand to Him. The ones we rest in His hands but still must exert some
effort to accomplish. All sufferings are lessons learned and steps closer to
the prize in which God has set before us. As a World Racer, I know I will
suffer. At times I will have no sleep; I will go restless. At times I will have
no food; I will go hungry. At times I will miss home, friends, and family but I
know they will be there when I return. At times I will ask why, and I will be
patient for His answer. These sufferings are nothing. Yes, I will be lower than
I ever have but the return up will be the highest high He has ever shown me. I
am doing all of this because: He told me to, I want the world to know Him
for all He is, and if I do not than who will? Why do we suffer? Because we
love our Father and submit to His word. If we turn away from Him and realize we
took the wrong road, He is still there. Always there. Always loving. If you
never suffer you’re either extremely blessed or you aren’t submitting. Suffering
is good. Suffer for Him. Suffer because you want to and not because you have
to.
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer: the God of my strength in
whom I will trust.” – 2 Samuel 22:2
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him
pray.” – James 5:13
