Thoughts on suffering...

Often times I find myself wondering how a God of love, a God of peace, a just God could allow such suffering in this world. I have wondered why God would take my children from ME, a follower of Him. I have wondered how a God who loves me so deeply could allow such heartache in my life. I look at those around me who have endured losses, sickness, and suffering of their own and wonder why God doesn't save us from all of this pain. If he loved us wouldn't he save us from pain and suffering? It is easy to think about all of this with our limited view of things and think that God must be turning away from us.

If we look to the Bible for answers to this however we will find that God is a God of love, a God of peace and a just God. He keeps his promises. The thing is that He never inteded for us to live in the world that we live in today. He never promised that bad things would not happen or that we would not suffer, but he did promise to always be there with us offering grace and comfort that only he can provide. Sometimes it is hard to look past ourselves and see that. We are a society of instant gratification. We think it should go like this...problem, prayer, answered prayer exactly as we have asked for it to be anwered...This however is not reality. It is difficult sometimes not to feel singled out or targeted, but if we again look to the Bible we will find that often times the ones who suffered the most were those God trusted.

Being that today is Easter I am reminded of the suffering that Jesus endured. God allowed his own son to endure a suffering unlike anything we could possibly imagine. Imagine what life would be like had he spared the suffering of His son. God promises us that he will be with us through suffering and that if allowed He will use it to bless us more than we can imagine. I have to believe that this is 100% truth. I know that because of God though things may seem unjust, unfair and unbearable, great things are yet to come. I know that because of Jesus' suffering I do not have to worry about where Isaac and Asher are now. I know that they have been made whole and are happier than any of us could possibly imagine. I know that though Howard and I suffer here without them, good things will come from our suffering. It is only through God that suffering can become blessing. Today I will rejoice because of these truths, because God chose us to bear this load and will use us for mighty things.

"Dear friends do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, but rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ." 1 Peter 4:12-13

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service." 1 Timothy 1:12

Thank you God for not allowing our suffering to be in vain and thank you Lord for giving your son so that we may have eternal life!