Is The Salvation Of One Valuable Enough To Me To Suffer?

Is The Salvation Of One Valuable Enough To Me To Suffer?

I left off with a question yesterday. What if our suffering was a means God uses to bring another person’s salvation; would we see suffering differently?

In Psalms 22, as David prayed in great anguish to God, David presented a picture of Christ. Was David aware that thousands of years later, we would see Christ? Could someone reading those words, followed by Psalms 23 and 24 open their heart to Christ and be saved? If indeed our moments of greatest anguish could be the catalyst that caused one person to alter their eternal destiny, would we be willing to embrace the suffering?

 

 

 

 

In Memory of Pedro Barba Arroyo (1/15/42 to 7/23/1994)  A life transformed through suffering and pain—Salvation’s story of mercy and grace.  One soul saved to an eternity of joy, love and glory in God’s presence.

 

Portrait of Pedro Barba Arroyo as done by Ronald Barba

 

 

[bctt tweet=”Is the Salvation of One Soul valuable enough to me to embrace suffering in my own life? “] It certainly was for Christ. I have learned it is for me. [bctt tweet=” The suffering of this world, if it endures a lifetime is but a split second compared to eternity. “]

 

THE GOSPEL STORY SPREAD THROUGH SUFFERING

We see examples of it throughout the Scripture. Look at the lives of Abraham, Joseph, Daniel, David, Hosea, Moses, Peter, Paul, and all of the apostles. Through their trials, pain, and suffering; salvation’s story was spread to each and every one of us. “⁵ For as the sufferings of Christ abound unto us, even so our comfort also aboundeth through Christ. ⁶ But whether we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation” (2 Corinthians 1:5-7 ASV). Paul when speaking about his suffering said, “These sufferings of ours are for your benefit. And the more of you who are won to Christ, the more there are to thank him for his great kindness, and the more the Lord is glorified. ¹⁶  That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in the Lord is growing every day” (2 Corinthians 4:15-16 TLB).

A PERSONAL NOTE

This was probably one of the most valuable lessons I learned that allowed me to walk through the dark moments of suffering. There was a lot of difficulties and sorrows that we faced as a family that I cannot tell you all today. I can tell you that I questioned God a lot throughout those years. I wondered if all was punishment from God. As I walked through those years, my unsaved husband had watched. One day, he said; “there is something you have inside you that makes you strong, forgiving, and kind no matter what the circumstances. I want that.” (Surprisingly, I didn’t see those traits in myself); but, he did. That was the beginning of a quest for God which ultimately led to his salvation 6 months before he died. All the pain, sorrow and suffering I faced suddenly had purpose. It was God’s love, not punishment, which had lead me through the valleys of pain. God loved Pedro Barba so much that he would allow the suffering of Christ to save him. Why wouldn’t God also allow suffering in my life, if that would the key that lead to Pedro Barba’s salvation?

TRUTH THAT TRANSFORMS SUFFERING

The truth that I learned through that suffering changed how I viewed suffering ever after that. Those who have followed my writings for a while know that was not the end to suffering and pain for me. My life walked through many valleys. In fact, I am writing the 3^rd edition to Mountaintop Experiences in the Valley. 3^rd edition because as I grow as a writer and grow spiritually year by year; I want you to have the best copy I can give you. You can obtain each chapter as it is finished by subscribing to my website. You can subscribe by clicking here. You will receive a confirmation email (to ascertain no one has put your email against your wishes); then, you will receive the email with the book. Check your spam mail if you don’t see the email in your inbox.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

For every detail in our lives; God is working for our good and the good of the kingdom. It is for that reason we can have joy in the midst of our darkest moment. God is our treasure and our joy. [bctt tweet=”God uses our suffering to reveal His magnificent glory and grace to us.”] And God uses our suffering to reveal Christ to a world in need. Is there any suffering too great for the salvation of one soul?

I encourage you to share your story by clicking here.

The song I chose for you today.  Lead me to the Cross

Living Bible (TLB)

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

American Standard Version (ASV)

Public Domain

Effie Darlene Barba | Glory to Glory: Seeking and Savoring Christ that His Love and His Joy Might be Displayed