It’s a strange thing, writing about “suffering” in our first-world American context.  What would you categorize as merely a difficulty, and what would you consider full-blown suffering?  I feel like I know so little about suffering when I hear about and see modern-day victims of persecution, trafficking, and enslavement.  I’m embarrassed when people tell me they’re encouraged by how I’m handling life.  I cringe – I know myself far too well to be impressed with me.  I’m keenly aware God is sustaining me; He’s been working on me for many, many years.

Here’s the thing about suffering (in my limited experience) none of us are good at it. None of us have the capacity to suffer well with hope and joy.  But the secret to growing into a hope-filled, joyful sufferer is shockingly simple:  Go to God again and again and again.  By “going to Him” I mean turn your thoughts to Him and tell Him exactly what you’re feeling, all the nitty-gritty details.  I “pour out my heart like water in the Lord’s presence” (Lamentations 2:19) and with the smallest mustard seed of faith, I believe that He’s listening and He will do something. (Isaiah 64:4)

Here’s what I’ve become increasingly convinced of:  I can’t hear or talk with Him apart from His Word.  Through the pages of Scripture, He reveals Himself, and those revelations change everything.  I know I sound like a broken record, but I’ll sing this song to my last day:  in the hands of a good God, suffering is a gift. There, I said it! It’s the “cords of kindness and ropes of love” that bind us to Jesus. (Hosea 11:4) There’s nothing on earth more precious than seeing, knowing and loving Jesus through suffering. (Philippians 3:10)  Slowly, awkwardly, our joy, hope and peace grow deep because we are pressed into His presence and love.

This week, I was both sad and angry over some set back and difficulties.  I went to God and He revealed His nearness and goodness for the millionth time.  So, from one weak person to another, here’s my encouragement: keep going to God.  Tell Him everything you’re feeling, raw and unedited.  Pray through Psalm 40 or Isaiah 35. Trust that He never belittles us for our kindergarten capacity to suffer.  He never says, “Well, others handle this much better than you!”  On the contrary, He’s happy to be with us right where we’re at, and happy to continue His good work of making us more and more like His Son.

Still Trusting  -  Tom