Suffering Saints

Paul was very radical in all of his beliefs. Very hard on himself. I think he carried a lot of guilt. He also didn’t have a wife or children and had a very strict way of viewing relationships in that dynamic. He was a short man. He probably was mocked as a child and that became part of the reason he became such a violent man (His Saul Years) very intellectual and I imagine no nonsense. His position of suffering as Christ did doesn’t surprise me because psychologically he was a radical.

Radical religion is something that I question. Im not talking about being sold out. Im talking about a mindset that is filled with absolutes. As you know, our understanding of the things of God gradually grow, develop and change as we stay connected to Holy Spirit. So there is few absolutes in my opinion. I cannot say that I have the final revelation on any one subject. Understanding is always unfolding so we need to be careful of begin dogmatic and spouting out what we consider to be the absolute truth.

Here are a few absolutes. 1. God is the creator of heaven and earth. (everything that exist in the world is another matter) 2. JESUS is the only way to heaven. 3. The Bible is the Lords letters and testimonials of the few men he chose to speak for him and allow us access into their lives and minds. Its inspired by the Lord and is subject to interpretation.

Im telling you all of this because as Christians, especially pentecostal ones we typically embrace the radical.

Paul seems to find some motivation in suffering. Is that wrong? No. But it is not complete either.

We know Christ suffering was so we could be delivered. I have no judgment on Pauls position however, I have learned if we believe that we are supposed to suffer then after a while we stop fighting for wholeness, liberty, joy, and freedom. Because, as radical Christians we tend to feel like we are fighting God by not settling into the mindset of suffering for Christ.

Im a mother. I take no delight in the suffering of my son. How much more does our heavenly Father love us?

Will we encounter suffering? Absolutely. Should we embrace it? I personally don’t believe so.

My health right now is a bi-product of making myself a martyr and because of that I am restricted from ministering as I should be and living a abundant life with joy, peace and righteousness.

Paul focuses a lot on really dogmatic views as he spent his entire Christian life in prison. Can the Lord call people to this kind of destiny? ABSOLUTELY. But does he call everyone to suffer? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

I have said lots. I hope this helps. I love you all. Do what brings you peace and joy. If you head down a path you shouldn’t the Holy Spirit will tell you and the word of God will be your rear guard. Otherwise, seek peace and joy and pursue it!

Love, Jenny