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  1. wonderfully written, Emily. I remember our talks during that painful time. What a gorgeous blossom of faith and strength you have become since then, and an inspiration…. suffering continues I know. I have learned so much as well. The New Testament teaches the opposite of Western culture’s Christianity…. suffering is to be expected, is prophesied, is the norm for those seriously surrendering their lives to the Lord, and is a privilege in following Jesus. I love Paul’s picture of suffering, throughout his letters. But I think our culture and upbringing, church teachings etc. make us continually have to grapple with this issue. May our faith grow with each fight. God bless you, sister!
    Denise B.
    email listed is one I don’t use… just for mail I don’t need. Use my cox one.

    1. Thank you, Denise! Your words mean a lot to me; I know you have much to say on the subject.
      Yes, there is such a warped expectation for relief or avoidance of suffering in the church (not just in the Western culture!). I am at times worried because of how ill-equipped the Body of Christ seems to be when dealing with the question of suffering. Fortunately, God’s grace is ever-sufficient, and I must continue to trust in His sovereignty.

      1. 1 John 5:19 “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one”.

        Revelation 12:9 “So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.”

        Satan is here on earth with us. He is controlling the world right now. This is what the Bible tells us.

        James 1:13 “When under trial, let no one say: ‘I am being tried by God.’ For with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone.”

        God is not testing us Satan is. Just as in Job, Satan is causing us pain.
        Revelation 20:1-3… tells us Satan will be taken away someday. And there will be a “new heaven and a new earth” Revelation 21:1

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