I’m re-reading John Piper’s Don’t Waste Your Life and wanted to share a particularly rich quote with you–your “food for thought” for the day.
The normal Christian life is one that boasts only in the cross–the blazing center of God’s glory–and does it while bearing the cross (Luke 14:27). Bearing the cross is the means by which we are increasingly liberated to boast in th cross. Suffering is God’s design in this sin-soaked world (Romans 8:20). It portrays sin’s horror for the world to see. It punishes sin’s guilt for those who do not believe in Christ. It breaks sin’s power for those who take up their cross and follow Jesus. And because sin is the belittling of the all-satisfying glory of God, the suffering that breaks its power is a severe mercy.Whatever makes us more and more able to enjoy making much of God is a mercy. For there is no greater joy than joy in the greatness of God. And if we must suffer to see this and savor it most deeply, then suffering is a mercy. And Christ’s call to take up our cross and join him on the Calvary road is love. (page 62, emphasis mine)
It reminds me of the book A Severe Mercy, which I just finished re-re-reading on the plane ride to Oregon. Take some time to soak your mind in the riches of God’s truths today, ok?
Note: Please pray that Gretchen can get over a horrible cold she’s had the last week. She hasn’t had a voice for 3 days now and we’re heading to the doctor this morning. Have a good weekend, all, and we’ll return on Monday.
I will definitely be praying for her to be well soon!!!
Aww, praying for the bride-to-be!
Get well soon, Gretchen!
Praying too…
Praying for Gretchen!
Great post, Natalie (Though I’ve only read excerpts from John Piper’s books, his writing is really encouraging and inspiring.)
I’ll certainly keep Gretchen in prayer!:0 I hope it’s nothing really bad (…like strep. But even if it is, it’s not “the end of the world”- I’ve had it a couple times and it goes away pretty quickly…)
Thanks, Natalie – that quote ties in beautifully with the thoughts on “suffering before glory” that I’ve had over the past month. The viewpoint makes it SO much easier to genuinely thank God for all He brings our way, even these “severe mercies.” C.S. Lewis phrases it as “the intolerable compliment” of love.
Will certainly be keeping Gretchen – and everyone else there – in prayer!
Gretchen is in my prayers.Get well soon Gretchen
Rachael – England
Whatever makes us more and more able to enjoy making much of God is a mercy. For there is no greater joy than joy in the greatness of God. And if we must suffer to see this and savor it most deeply, then suffering is a mercy. And Christ’s call to take up our cross and join him on the Calvary road is love.
Wow…Amen, that is so profound!
Praying for Gretchen…
I love _Don’t Waste Your Life_! John Piper has so many thought-provoking things to say in it. _Desiring God_ is excellent also. I’ve started it, but I still have yet to finish it. It’s pretty deep.
I’ll be praying for Gretchen. I hope that God heals her very soon!