The Next Onion Layer (Part 2)
To summarize my previous post in one line: my most recent diagnosis has brought to my attention a deep-seated dread of suffering because I fear I will utterly cave to despair, but God showed me that should suffering happen (and it certainly will), He will be there to comfort me. The Guarantee of Suffering There is a really dangerous philosophy and teaching out there that if you only believe enough, pray hard enough, give enough, be a good enough person, that God will reward you with health, wealth, happiness, and salvation. If only it worked that way; I could be the one in control. Unfortunately, control is an illusion, and for many, once they hit the hard reality that it doesn't work that way, they lose faith altogether. The good thing though is that my salvation doesn't depend on me being perfect enough! What a gift that He saves me on the basis of what Jesus did on the cross and all I have to do it put my faith in Him, choose to enter into a relationship, and follow Him. ...