“I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course.” (Jeremiah 10:23 NLT)
One of the most significant values of suffering of any kind is that it shows us we’re not in charge of our own life. Suffering in and of itself can be a very positive experience, but rather than put our trust fully in the Lord to allow “everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them,” we too often want to belly ache and complain because we don’t like what the Lord allowed.
And I get it, I really do. In my humanity I can’t see any reason why the Lord would allow my beloved, saint of a sister to die of cancer shortly before Christmas. I don’t understand why my mom, who loved Jesus, would literally drop dead at Thanksgiving. I can’t explain why my dad who walked with the Lord and loved his family sacrificially would die without dignity at the savage hands of Parkinson’s Disease.
On a personal level, I can’t explain why the Lord would saddle me with Alzheimer’s disease, but this one thing I know with certainty: The Lord never allows ANYTHING except it has purpose to bless and to forward His eternal purposes! As long as I have breath and the ability to speak and/or write, I will sing His praises and seek to magnify His holy Name!
It’s easy to see how dying blesses those who know and love Him, but their passing can cripple those they leave behind. And debilitating diseases can take their toll, not only on their victims, but on their family and friends. Yet, I’m convinced in my own spirit that God is faithful to never waste a problem. I’ve never sensed God’s closeness more nearly or heard His voice more clearly than I do in this season of my life.
Even as I reflect on the tragedies and times of agonizing personal introspection and pain, I see the Lord’s hands surrounding me, comforting, teaching, consoling, healing, building up, caring, and even compelling me to see Him more clearly, trust Him more fully, follow Him more closely, and serve Him more effectively and joyfully.
Jesus isn’t our “errand boy” or our “genie in a bottle” designed to give us everything we want when we demand it. If that’s what you’re looking for, check with Google. But if you want fulfillment, a sense of deep, abiding joy, a calling that will exceed your wildest dreams, and a friend who created the world and has all power that He’ll use in any way He sees fit to bless you and honor His Father, then submit your life to Jesus!
You’ll discover why you were born and what life at its best can really look like. Will you suffer and experience things you wish you didn’t have to go through? Yes, you will! But here’s the deal – you’re going to go through those things with or without Jesus, and my advice is, it’s a lot more helpful to have Him walk with you through those tough times.
That’s the context out of which you discover the real value of suffering. But it requires something from you. First, you have to stop feeling sorry for yourself and stop asking, “Why me?” and start asking the right questions, beginning with, “Why NOT me?” Who am I that I should be bypassed for this opportunity to join the Lord in the accomplishment of His purposes in my life?
Suffering is hard, and He’s shared with me that I’m only at the beginning of my journey, but as long as I have His hand, I’ll follow Him anywhere.
Ultimately, HE’s the most valuable gift we receive through our suffering.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 