Finding Strength in Suffering: A Journey of Faith and Resilience
Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, often leaving us feeling overwhelmed and questioning our purpose. But what if these trials were not just obstacles to overcome, but opportunities for growth and deepening our faith?
My life has been interesting in the last year to say the least. Though a seemingly random accident, I discovered that I had an aggressive brain tumor. In an instant, my life and the lives of my loved ones were forever changed. Yet, in the face of this devastating news, I have been able to cling to a profound truth:
God still knew the number of his days. Nothing had truly changed except their awareness of the situation.
This realization speaks to a deeper understanding of our mortality and the sovereignty of God. As Psalm 39 beautifully articulates, "Show me, Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure."
In times of crisis, it's natural to seek solutions and cling to hope for physical healing. Friends and family, both believers and non-believers, may frantically search for cures or treatments. While their care and concern are touching, there's a profound peace in accepting that some things are beyond our control. This doesn't mean giving up, but rather shifting our focus to what truly matters.
For me, I have found that my diagnosis has opened doors for ministry that weren't here before. I have had more opportunities to share this faith and demonstrate the peace that comes from trusting in God, even in the darkest of times. This echoes the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
It's a counter-cultural notion in our comfort-seeking society to find purpose in suffering. Yet, the Bible is filled with examples of those who did just that. The disciples faced persecution and death with courage, knowing their eternal hope. Jesus himself endured unimaginable torture for our sake. When we view our own trials through this lens, it can transform our perspective.
The shift in mindset doesn't make the pain disappear. The man still struggled with the thought of leaving his family behind and the loss of future experiences. He grappled with declining physical and mental abilities. But in the midst of this, he discovered a strength rising up in himself and his loved ones that wasn't there before.
Matthew 7:16-20 speaks about recognizing people by their fruit. "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit." This passage invites us to consider: when life squeezes us, what comes out? What kind of fruit are we producing in the face of adversity?
The reality is, becoming a Christian doesn't eliminate hardship from our lives. But it does provide us with the strength and perspective to navigate those challenges. Jesus offers us a beautiful invitation in Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
This doesn't mean our burdens magically become weightless. Rather, it's like a well-fitted yoke that allows us to carry more than we could on our own because we're walking in step with Christ. He doesn't always remove our struggles, but He promises to walk through them with us.
In the story of Job, we see a man who endured immense suffering yet maintained his faith in God. While we may not fully understand why certain trials come into our lives, we can trust that God is never surprised by them. He may not cause our pain, but He can use it for His purposes if we allow Him to.
This perspective challenges us to reframe how we view suffering. Instead of asking, "Why is this happening to me?" we can ask, "How can God use this situation?" It's an opportunity to demonstrate to a watching world that our faith is not based on health, wealth, or comfort, but on a genuine relationship with our Heavenly Father.
As we navigate our own trials, big or small, let's remember that God is not a genie granting wishes for an easy life. He is a shepherd, guiding us safely through the valleys and mountaintops of our journey towards eternity. Our challenge is to choose to follow Him, even when the path is difficult.
This brings us to a crucial question: If you were facing death tomorrow, would you have peace because of your relationship with Jesus, or would you be gripped by fear of the unknown? It's a sobering thought, but one that can lead to transformative reflection.
In conclusion, while we may not welcome suffering into our lives, we can choose how we respond to it. Will we allow it to embitter us, or will we use it as an opportunity to deepen our faith and impact others? By leaning into God's strength and viewing our trials through the lens of eternity, we can find purpose in our pain and produce fruit that nourishes both ourselves and those around us.
Let us take comfort in knowing that our lives, however long or short, are in God's hands. And in that knowledge, may we live each day with intention, grace, and an unwavering trust in the One who holds all things together.
Written by Jason Leo.
My life has been interesting in the last year to say the least. Though a seemingly random accident, I discovered that I had an aggressive brain tumor. In an instant, my life and the lives of my loved ones were forever changed. Yet, in the face of this devastating news, I have been able to cling to a profound truth:
God still knew the number of his days. Nothing had truly changed except their awareness of the situation.
This realization speaks to a deeper understanding of our mortality and the sovereignty of God. As Psalm 39 beautifully articulates, "Show me, Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure."
In times of crisis, it's natural to seek solutions and cling to hope for physical healing. Friends and family, both believers and non-believers, may frantically search for cures or treatments. While their care and concern are touching, there's a profound peace in accepting that some things are beyond our control. This doesn't mean giving up, but rather shifting our focus to what truly matters.
For me, I have found that my diagnosis has opened doors for ministry that weren't here before. I have had more opportunities to share this faith and demonstrate the peace that comes from trusting in God, even in the darkest of times. This echoes the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
It's a counter-cultural notion in our comfort-seeking society to find purpose in suffering. Yet, the Bible is filled with examples of those who did just that. The disciples faced persecution and death with courage, knowing their eternal hope. Jesus himself endured unimaginable torture for our sake. When we view our own trials through this lens, it can transform our perspective.
The shift in mindset doesn't make the pain disappear. The man still struggled with the thought of leaving his family behind and the loss of future experiences. He grappled with declining physical and mental abilities. But in the midst of this, he discovered a strength rising up in himself and his loved ones that wasn't there before.
Matthew 7:16-20 speaks about recognizing people by their fruit. "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit." This passage invites us to consider: when life squeezes us, what comes out? What kind of fruit are we producing in the face of adversity?
The reality is, becoming a Christian doesn't eliminate hardship from our lives. But it does provide us with the strength and perspective to navigate those challenges. Jesus offers us a beautiful invitation in Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
This doesn't mean our burdens magically become weightless. Rather, it's like a well-fitted yoke that allows us to carry more than we could on our own because we're walking in step with Christ. He doesn't always remove our struggles, but He promises to walk through them with us.
In the story of Job, we see a man who endured immense suffering yet maintained his faith in God. While we may not fully understand why certain trials come into our lives, we can trust that God is never surprised by them. He may not cause our pain, but He can use it for His purposes if we allow Him to.
This perspective challenges us to reframe how we view suffering. Instead of asking, "Why is this happening to me?" we can ask, "How can God use this situation?" It's an opportunity to demonstrate to a watching world that our faith is not based on health, wealth, or comfort, but on a genuine relationship with our Heavenly Father.
As we navigate our own trials, big or small, let's remember that God is not a genie granting wishes for an easy life. He is a shepherd, guiding us safely through the valleys and mountaintops of our journey towards eternity. Our challenge is to choose to follow Him, even when the path is difficult.
This brings us to a crucial question: If you were facing death tomorrow, would you have peace because of your relationship with Jesus, or would you be gripped by fear of the unknown? It's a sobering thought, but one that can lead to transformative reflection.
In conclusion, while we may not welcome suffering into our lives, we can choose how we respond to it. Will we allow it to embitter us, or will we use it as an opportunity to deepen our faith and impact others? By leaning into God's strength and viewing our trials through the lens of eternity, we can find purpose in our pain and produce fruit that nourishes both ourselves and those around us.
Let us take comfort in knowing that our lives, however long or short, are in God's hands. And in that knowledge, may we live each day with intention, grace, and an unwavering trust in the One who holds all things together.
Written by Jason Leo.
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