My struggles are about HIM

Apostle Biography Brief Death
1 Peter
Crucified up-side-down at his request because he did consider himself worthy to be crucified like Jesus.

2 Andrew
Crucified at Patræ, Achaia [southern Greece].
Hung alive on the cross two days, exhorting spectators all the while.

3 James ‡
Killed 10 years after the first martyr, Stephen.
His accuser was converted by James courage and the two were beheaded together.

4 John ‡

•The only apostle who did not meet a martyrs death.

5 Phillip
• Crucified about 54AD

6 Bartholomew [Nathaniel]
Crucified by the idolaters of India.

7 Thomas
Thrust through with spear in India

8 Matthew
Killed with a sword about 60AD.

9 James

Stoned by Jews at his age 90, and ended up with his brains bashed out with a fuller’s club

10 Jude ‡
Crucified 72AD at city of Edessa [Turkey].

11 Simon
Crucified in Britain in 74AD.

12 Judas Iscariot
Suicide And Judas cast down the 30 pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went out and hanged himself. Matthew 27:5


Is this how GOD honors his chosen? How can we explain such a tragedy? Why are innocent girls walking in the United States being raped in the alleys daily and why is there civil war and bloodshed in South Africa? Ain’t he suppose to be sovereign?

Maybe God messed up. Cancer cells crept into your DNA when he wasn’t looking. He was so occupied with the tornado in Kansas that he forgot the famine in Uganda. Perhaps he is mad. Have we so exhausted the mercy of God’s bank account that every prayer bounces like a bad cheque? Did humanity cross the line millenniums ago, and now we’re getting what we deserve? Such an argument carries a dash of merit. God does leave us to the consequences of our stupid decisions. Think Egyptian soldiers in Red sea, Hebrews in Babylon, Peter weeping with the sound of a crowing rooster in his ears. Bang your head against the wall and expect a headache. God let us endure the fruit of sin. But to label him peeved and impatient?

‘God is sheer mercy and grace: not easily angered, he’s rich in love. He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as the heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. (Psalm 103:8-11 MSG)

Don’t blame suffering in the world on the anger of GOD. He’s not mad, he did not mess up. Follow our troubles to their headwaters and you won’t find an angry or befuddled God. But you will find a sovereign God. Your pain has a purpose. Your problems, struggles, heartaches, and hassles cooperate toward one end- the glory of God. ‘Trust me in your times of trouble and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory’ (Psalm 50:15)

As the disciples walk passed the blind man with Jesus, they questioned, why is the man blind? Is it because of his parents? His own sins? Jesus answered ‘It was neither that this man sinned, not his parents, but it was so that the works of GOD might be displayed in him’ (John 9:1-3)

Don’t search the family tree. Don’t request a copy of the man’s rap sheet. Blame his blindness on a call from God. Why was the man sightless? So ‘the works of God might be displayed in him.’

A season of suffering is a small assignment when compared to the reward. My friends, rather than begrudge your problem, explore it. Ponder it. And most of all, use it. Use it to the glory of GOD together.

Narash, perhaps you might ask ‘Why did God choose to put you in a position under unreasonable bosses?- use it for the glory of God man!’ He’ll rescue you and you’ll reflect his glory!