Suffering Well

Earlier today I mentioned in a tweet/status update that I am amazed at how well our Bible Study suffers.  I can’t exactly remember the order of all the events, but here is a list of what has happened in the past 6 months or so.

• Dan, the leader of our group, was diagnosed with aplastic anemia in July and has been pretty much shut down ever since.  Check here for more.
• Doug and Suzie were expecting a little one but the Lord decided to take the little one to be with him.
• We rejoiced with Brian and Jacqueline at the news of their coming baby, but soon prayers were needed when Brian lost his job.  Thankfully the Lord has come through with another opportunity and Brian is working yet again.
• Michelle and Flavio were excited for their third child to arrive, but the Lord had other plans and chose to take little Jackson to be with him.
• Ken worked in the property-assessing business, and obviously that took a big hit last year.  His whole department was let go but he was allowed to stay on until the end of 2008, so he is now looking for a job.
• Tim and Chelly had their 5th child in July and a few months later he lost his job.  Thankfully another friend in the Bible Study was able to provide a job for him, until this past week…
• Jim and Billie, who both were on the board of this company, experienced a hostile takeover by some very unreasonable men and not only find themselves unemployed, but also battling for some other assets they have/had.  In addition to that they are burdened for some unsaved members of their family.

I’m sure I’m missing some others, and I’m sure this list will grow in the months to come.  We were joking last night during our time together that we have a Jonah in our midst.  We need to figure out who in the group should be thrown overboard!

I write all this because I am beyond encouraged by all the members of this study.  Not once – and I really mean never – have I seen any of them lose their trust in God.  God has always been their number 1 priority.  They lean on one another for strength.  Our study is the Body of Christ in action.  They each have echoed David’s sentiments in Psalm 18:

I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies.

I have known only a few saints before who suffer so well, and I pray that if and when the time comes I will follow in their example.  Praise God for such faithful people to be in fellowship with!  It is our privilege to know them.

bry