Welcome to "Quaint Words!”
These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).
I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!
(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)
"A loyal servant suffers cheerfully with his master. Paul felt a kind of exaltation of spirit, a kind of high courage and keen joy in the thought that he might in some measure share the suffering of his Lord, might have "fellowship in his sufferings."
Fellow-sufferers are bound together by peculiarly strong ties...
The secret satisfaction of fellowship with Jesus gives something more than a mere grim endurance to him who suffers. It puts a kind of stern, virile joy into his suffering.
It was what Paul meant when he spoke of "patience and long suffering with joy."
(From "Christ in Everyday Life" by Edward Increase Bosworth, c. 1910)
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
Suffering...great words to remind us that we all enter into suffering and to find joy in the suffering
ReplyDelete"The secret satisfaction of fellowship with Jesus gives something more than a mere grim endurance to him who suffers. It puts a kind of stern, virile joy into his suffering."
ReplyDeleteWish I had said that. It's excellent.
I have such a deep respect for these saints of God who have the gift to put His thoughts into such beautiful words. Of course, that was just the vernacular of their day. YOUR words, in OUR vernacular, are just as beautiful to me, even though they aren't as "quaint".
Just felt the need to tell you that.
I love older English, too -- they had such an eloquent way with words.
ReplyDeleteJoy in suffering...now that is a place I have not quite attained...but always striving, with His help.
I love that quote too Sharon! The joy for us comes in the knowledge that suffering isn't for nothing! Everything we suffer will be useful for His purposes and that is sure a comfort!
ReplyDeleteGod makes hurts and pains into something beautiful.
I know sometimes when you suffer and it is the same type of suffering - like a loss - it some times binds you with the others in a group you don't want to be in.
ReplyDeleteLove,
sandie
Janette - I liked this passage. It is important to remember that Jesus told us that in this world we would have suffering - after all, He did. The joy can be found in identifying with Him, and in knowing that He will redeem it for good.
ReplyDeleteDebbie - You are too sweet, thank you. I liked that phrase "virile joy" - I had to ponder it a bit. Looked up the word "virile" - energetic, vigorous, masterful, forceful. Made me think that this sort of joy is "manly" joy - one that's got some "muscle" behind it. I like that.
Michelle - Oh boy! I have not attainted this one yet, either! I'm a bit of a grumbler. But as you said, I am always striving toward this goal. Asking the Lord to make my joy be strong and determined.
Sonja - AMEN! That is what makes suffering endurable - the sure knowledge that there is a PURPOSE in it. God is not a God of waste - He uses everything for good. As you said, making something beautiful out of pain. Look what He did with the cross!!
Sandie - You know, you're right. The whole "misery loves company" thing. I'd have to agree, that sometimes the "suffering club" is NOT a group I would choose to be in necessarily. However, if it binds me closer to Jesus - that's worth it.
Thanks for stopping by for some "quaint words" - May we continue to encourage each other in the sufferings of life - always looking to the Author AND Finisher of our faith - our partner in suffering - our dear Lord Jesus Christ!
GOD BLESS!
Hi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteI love that deeper understanding of suffering with your master. That it brings joy. It puts suffering through our trials in a whole new light. Can't say that I've reached it yet, but it sounds beautiful.
Thanks for all your visits,
Janis
Janis - I've spent a lot of time in my life pondering the difference between happiness and joy. I've come up with this -
ReplyDeleteJ esus
O nly
Y ou
That's the secret to living above the circumstances of life - including the suffering we all face. Jesus, only You - He's all that matters. And if suffering binds me closer to Him - I pray for a "kind of high courage" to endure it...with joy.
GOD BLESS!