Suffering

Strange that a God who is so loving and sovereign would let things pass over us that brings about cause for tears.

I just got done reading a post from a friend of my family. It was a loving tribute from a Mother to her Daughter that was given back to God. A baby that was here for just a fleeting moment and then…gone. She talks about laying white flowers on the gravestone that shows little feet etched into it. Feet that were not given the chance to grow past the size of a newborn. Ten years have passed and she still struggles with “how do you deal with this kind of loss.”


I and Sherawn still find it hard to think about the baby we never got to meet. Certain songs can still not be listened to. The sight of an ultrasound machine whether in person or on television still makes my heart stop for a moment as I am forced to relive hearing “It looks like you are having a miscarriage.”


My friend Josh who wakes every morning waiting and hoping that God gave him back the use of the lower half of his body. Forced to see people walking, running, playing who maybe never had a thought to the fact that nothing in this life should be taken for granted. Included; the use of legs or certain internal organs.


As I get a twitch in my shoulder I think about the idea that my body is not ultimately under my control. There are things that I can do to prolong my life for a time but in the end a person has to come to the conclusion that we are in a state of constant decay. Slowly breaking down to point when eventually some crucial part of life is removed and we pass from this world.

“ 3. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4. perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4 NIV

In Paul’s letter to the Romans we see someone who has gone through his share of suffering, encouraging the Body of Christ as the Church to hold fast to the promise that God is in charge and has a purpose for each of us. That suffering is not something done for the sake of suffering but rather to build up in us a hope for the things to come.

So here is my paradox: If it is suffering that produces hope, how do I in turn then hope for a future without suffering? Shouldn't I be asking for God to run me through the ringer for the rest of my life so that I can grow?


I think the answer is this: I need to stop thinking about my life as temporary. I must come to an eternal perspective for my life. And I need to then cover that viewpoint with the sovereignty of God.


God knows what is best for me and I believe he is actively working for me to achieve what is best for me. In the same way gold is refined with fire I am being refined by God. And in just the same way as gold, I will be watched so that I have not too much and not too little fire…aka suffering. Eventually I will be made whole. And it is in knowing that someday I will meet my Maker, spend eternity with Him, and be able to look back as someone who has made it through the fire that I can rejoice.


As long as I keep the reigns in God’s hand and not try to “take charge of my life”. As long as I lean on Him for strength I will be able to get through my sufferings, and lend a hand to those around me who are suffering as well. I won’t try to pretend that I will never hurt, or cry but I will be able to look forward.


So what do I tell my friend that has lost her precious little girl? Nothing…there is nothing I can say that is going to remove the sting of that kind of loss. I will however walk through it with her as best I can and continue to pray, trust, and hope in the one who is over all things so that I can look forward to the day when Christ removes us from the fire. I can look forward to the day when:

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)