A Fable about Fire

A Fable about Fire

by Leonardo da Vinci (from Prophecies)

The stone, feeling itself struck by flint, was astonished and said in a stern voice, "How can you be so presumptuous as to trouble me?  Stop upsetting me.  You have given me a blow as though in revenge, and yet I have never annoyed anyone."  To this the flint replied, "If you will be patient, you wil see a marvelous result."  The stone calmed down and bore its sufferings with patience and fortitude, and saw itself give birth to a marvelous fire that was so powerful that it was useful for many things. 

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Lately the idea of suffering has been prominent in both my personal devotions and in sermons.  This semester my bible study is going through 1 Peter which is a book written by Jesus' disciple Peter to a large group of people who are suffering under the rule of the Roman empire.  Thus the main idea of the book is about how to deal with suffering in light of Christ. 

This last week at Navigators the speaker talked about what true suffering is and how it isn't just a big test or feeling lonely for a day, but TRUE suffering is things like losing a loved one or being persecuted or etc.  BIG THINGS!  He also talked about how through suffering we must still continue to love and this is how the name of Christ is revealed.  1 Peter 2:12 says "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."  How we react to these sufferings is the main thing.  We must react in love so that others may see our good deeds and that there is something different within us than others.  

Suffering, although horrible in the eyes of the world, is most of the time for the benefit of something or someone.  So as we look at history and all of the suffering that has occurred, can we not learn and benefit from the mistakes made by others, even if the benefit was not felt or experienced by them? As a follower of Jesus Christ I also take from Christ’s example and can see how His tremendous suffering on the cross was an immense benefit for all of our sakes.  Suffering is not something to be scared about but rather to face with confidence and perseverance for in the end, there will be good.  

"Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything." James 1: 2-4