But the reason why I am writing to myself today is because I just finished reading a chapter in The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This chapter was all about the gospel and it's implications for the believers. It was a challenging chapter that talked about suffering because He first suffered for us.
Bonhoeffer said that the way to overcome suffering is through suffering alone. It didn't make sense to me at first, but he continued to say that Jesus commands us to pick up our cross and follow Him. Now I see the suffering...
But how do I get over suffering through suffering? It still is a conundrum.
"My yoke is easy and my burden is light." Yeah right Jesus. I'm not really feeling the easy burden and yoke as I'm studying to, Lord willing, become a pastor one day. Hours and hours of reading each day isn't easy by any means! But the byproduct of the suffering that comes through my studying is what gets me through the suffering!
The byproduct? Joy.
I find so much joy in spending my entire day reading theology, discipleship, studying Greek, and not being able to do things that I enjoy like exercising, watching every game of football that's on TV, and hanging out with my friends until the late hours of the night. But it's the little things that I find in God that make me happy with what I'm giving up.
Jesus suffered for me so that I can suffer for Him. I don't need a social life! The only life I need is one radically committed proclaiming the Gospel and sharing the joy that I find in Christ Jesus my Lord.
1 comment:
You really get it Kyle. I am one proud mom and I love you!
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