I walked outside and sat down with her on the porch. I was ready to listen. As she talked about her own situation, I asked myself if I would react to her situation as faithfully as she has. For the past several months, she has endured quite a bit of suffering in different areas of her life. And I have rarely heard her complain. Normally, she responds with, "God will/is tak(e)(ing) care of it," and she has meant it. It has been an awesome example for me, who is too easily prone to complaining and whining. However, today was different. Today, she was very upset about the people around her who are suffering so much and why it has to be so.
She vented her frustration for several minutes and I launched my own response. Yet, I quickly realized that I wasn't helping. One part of me reminded me how much I had to write in the next two hours. The other part of me reminded me to pray to the Spirit for the right response. We sat silently for several moments and I resumed a much lighter and more Spirit-led response. I reminded her that she has those close friends and family to show her their amazing faith in the midst of suffering; that they are not suffering purposelessly, as existentialists believe. Rather, because we believe in redemption in this life and a life to come, this suffering is intended for the good and reward of those undergoing it. And that will come at a time when it's most needed, since "all things work together for the good of those who love God." Our worldly perspectives are so small - what we intend or think occurs for evil, God uses for good. Even our friend Richard's death has served to bring many to Christ, and some even closer to Him than they already were.
As I was telling her this, it reminded me of the discussion I attended in my former Great Books class about Kierkegaard's view of faith and suffering. My former professor, Dr. Gose, values Fear and Trembling because it shed new light on the role suffering plays in a Christian's more complete understanding of faith in Christ, and the fact that our faith, which others may not understand, may cause us to suffer in ways no one else can comprehend. This was one of my friend's main complaints - why do those close to her have to undergo such intense suffering? I think Kierkegaard provides a thought-provoking portion of the answer.
By the time she left, she felt much better. I think I shifted her "paradigm" on this issue from "Why is so much evil happening to people who are so faithful to God?" to "How is their faith in God shaping their response to that evil?" And, I finished my case study on anger and forgiveness in a little under an hour, which must be a world record!
To be honest, I haven't felt pain like my friend has experienced yet. My main prayer is that when I do, I will take it to the one who suffered the turning of His Father's back on Him for the salvation of humanity. Peter wrote almost a couple thousand years ago about the purpose of our suffering in this life. "For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth,
and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed."
If you are suffering today, know that His wounds have healed you, if you will accept them.Prayer for India:
Jesus, You suffered so much for humanity and You love them regardless of whether they love You or not. I admit that I haven't lived up to Your perfect ways and that I need your forgiveness. Thank you for offering it so freely to me. As I prepare for India, remind me day in and day out that faith in You is not cheap and that it requires me to empty myself of everything I want and need. Give me strength to start that process. In Your name, Amen.
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