But To The Will Of God…

But To The Will Of God…

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. ~ 1 Peter 4:1-2 KJB

If we have suffered in the flesh, been forgiven of our sins and do the will of God what is the reward? More suffering, more pain and fewer people in our lives? Yelling and screaming at people we love, arguing with our brothers and sisters over issues of the Spirit, issues of Heaven and issues of God? Is this the reward we receive for following Jesus Christ and putting forth much effort to do the will of God?

Does this even make sense?

Anger is real issue and anger causes pain. Yelling and screaming is anger made manifest in our lives that has a direct impact on others. It usually causes others pain and makes them to suffer. Should we make others to suffer in pain? Should we be the cause that creates a point of departure from other peoples lives? Is this what God, in the name of Jesus Christ would have us to do; who He would have us to be?

When does it end? When does relief from the pain arrive? When do the scars from so many years ago, when do they heal? When does our mind loose these thoughts, loose these images and loose these “conversations” that flow through the mind like an out-of-control river?

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. ~1 Peter 4:7-11 NKJB

Having set aside years of giving, years of working with others, years of reaching out, years of supporting others the island has not increased in size but has, in fact, shrank quiet a bit. It feels like the more that is given, prayed about and prayed for, the less there is. It feels like the more out stretched the hand, the more people helped to their feet is greeted with another punch in the face. The more of Gods children that are invited to walk this journey the fewer people that will actually discuss seeking, asking and knocking. Everything seems to be moving in the opposite direction of what the stories tell us.

Is this the life we are assured in this world? Nothing more than pain, slop and a punch in the face and we are to thank the people for doing so to us? That’s the whole reward?