A Call to Suffer

Here is another MUST to listen to.

Throughout my morning I was listening to another Piper sermon and I just needed to share it. I know it will be an encouragement to so many out there so how can I just keep it to myself. Please take the time to listen to this one and the one before. It takes me most of the day to listen to one because there isn't much time around here that is quiet enough, so even if it takes you days to get through it, just try.

I will leave you with a quote, that is mentioned in his message (mendicant is a beggar)

I stood a mendicant of God before His royal throne
And begged him for one priceless gift, which I could call my own.
I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would depart
I cried, “But Lord this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart.
This is a strange, a hurtful gift, which Thou hast given me.”
He said, “My child, I give good gifts and gave My best to thee.”
I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore,
As long years passed I learned at last to love it more and more.
I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace,
He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face.

- Martha Snell Nicholson

"And if it takes a thorn to pin aside the veil – if it takes disappointment and loss and heartache and calamity and bitter Providences – then, for Christ's sake, and for the sake of our eternal joy seeing and savoring him, let it come. Amen." -John Piper

Click here to hear