Suffering finds us
scrambling for answers. Why is this happening? What do I do now? When will this
end? There are no easy answers to the questions, are there? One thing I have
discovered over the years. God knows. He understands. He will bring good
through it all as we live to serve and trust Him.
And we
know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have
been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
These may not be the
most helpful or encouraging words to offer someone in the midst of suffering.
More likely, we just need a listening ear and a hug, no quick platitudes, no
formulas, no pat answers. The grieving process is important and it takes time,
so much time. Everyone grieves in their own way, in their own time.
Something begins to
happen over a lifetime of following Jesus. Our trust builds. We witness the
ways in which He works. We get through the suffering and come out of it more in
love with Him, praising His name and finding hope. Always hope. He is good. He
loves us and our lives are short.
Our redeemer lives
and one day we will be with Him.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe
in God. Believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions. . If it
were not so, would I have told you that I go and prepare a place for you? And
if I go and prepare a place, I will come back and take you to be with Me, that
you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
John 14:1-4
We do know the way.
Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth and
the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:5
Father,
Help us to sit with the grieving, to listen to those in need,
to offer compassion where there appears to be no hope. These are Your ways. You
show us how. You know our hearts. You understand our deepest needs and You show
us the way back to You.
Amen
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