SUFFER IN SILENCE

I Peter 2:23," (Christ) suffered in silence, content to let God set things right."


" Peter continually stressed in his letter, "Be like Jesus."  And in the verse above the words tell us that Christ suffered in silence.  Now, we know that to be true.  Christ's silence before the Sanhedrin, which was the group of leading rabbis, and before Pilate, the Roman governor of Israel, as he was about to be crucified revealed His wisdom and humility.  Jesus knew God's plan, and He accepted it.  He was much troubled by what lay ahead, yet He took it all silently, accepting His task, knowing that God would make it right.


" If only I had learned earlier in my life to suffer in silence.  I talked about my suffering to anyone who would listen!  I am not sure that I have yet learned this thing.  But, I hope that I may learn this as I'm sure suffering will come once again someday.  I hope I might have wisdom and humility to accept what comes my way, so that I might take the lesson and use it for compassion when others may suffer.


"Lord, let it be so.  Have mercy on me, a sinner.  Amen."


Well, that was said years ago.  And I still suffer for I have discovered I am far from being "like Jesus."  I pray that the Holy Spirit will work His work in me, but I wonder...for I act before I pray far too often. I don't think God has given up on me as yet.  I  hope not, as I love Him dearly. but, I fear I love myself more, sometimes. This grieves me much.  But, I do not give up hope that my Lord will still have time to touch my heart in a way that I will receive the work He is longing for me.


Lord, if there is another like me anywhere in the world,  I pray for your forgiveness and for their perfect attention to your Spirit. And that, I too, will learn and accept your compassion and teaching.


Jo INMN