Suffering for Doing Good

Because of the torrential rain Monday, when I counsel on the sidewalks of the abortion mill, I helped set up a canopy tent to protect our sound system. It takes four people to set it up and there were only four of us there. I knew, even as I was helping, that I was going to pay dearly for it.

I have chronic tendonitis in my wrists. As long as I don't stress them, don't lift anything very heavy or put much strain on them, I am okay. However, if I do lift heavy objects or stress my wrists by forcing things like heavy canopy tent poles to snap into place.....bad things happen.

Tuesday, I could not move my left wrist (dominant hand) at all without excruciating pain. I could not even lift my coffee cup. It does not seem fair that I would suffer for trying to do good, but that seems to be a common theme in my life lately.

I really should not complain. I have plenty of great role models in that regard. Like Jesus...

Not that setting up a tent and having unbearable wrist pain is anything remotely like what Jesus suffered. Please do not think I am saying that...

What I am saying is that if we suffer for doing good, we are not alone. And the Bible says it is far better to suffer undeservedly for doing good, than to suffer for doing bad and receiving our just reward.

Fortunately, because this is a chronic problem, I already have wrist splints. I strapped my wrist splint on, and warned my team members to stop me if I ever try to set up the tent again. I will have to do good in ways that don't involve my wrist.

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1 Peter 3:13-18
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” 15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.