On Being a Sufferer
I have a confession to make. I think you share my view. I do not like being sad. I try to avoid pain as best I can. I rarely, if ever, welcome the disappointments that come my way. I will go out on the proverbial limb and guess that just about everyone would agree with me.
Since our church teaches that God calls His people to be good theologians, we can quickly point out that pain came into the world when Adam and Eve sinned. In Genesis 3 God cursed all humanity with pain in childbirth and in every other area of life. Paul tells us in Romans 8 that all creation shows the effects of the fall.
Paul describes the situation as so bad that creation groans to be made new. Knowing this gives perspective, but our hurt and disappointment remain. I once knew someone who suffered from severe pain in her foot. Walking became difficult. An x-ray revealed a cyst growing among the many bones. Surgery removed the cyst and the pain disappeared. The fairly quick fix worked for her. Let’s look at how we can suffer well – no matter how long it lasts.
First, admit you have a problem. “Houston, we have a problem,” remains one of the memorable lines in movie history. David shows how to do this in Psalm 6:6 “I am worn out from groaning…” Obviously this is a lament. God welcomes your words that tell Him life is hard. (Don’t forget, there is a book of inspired Scripture called ‘Lamentations’ for a good reason.) I read recently that it is okay to tell God you are sad, disappointed and/or confused.
Then, remember the character and person of God. Psalm 16 provides a comforting look at God’s traits. Note these snippets, “in You I take refuge…You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure…surely I have a delightful inheritance…the Lord is at my right hand…You will not abandon me…You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” I encourage you to read on meditate on the whole psalm. Your heart will be glad and your anxiety level will be lowered.
Then, be renewed though the process involves a four-letter word. In times of trouble the closing words of Isaiah 40 have been my “go to verses” since high school.” Verse 28 reminds us of the mighty character of God who “will not grow tired or weary. In fact, v29 goes on to state, “He gives strength to the weary.” So even when, per v30, we “stumble and fall,” God remains the One who watches over His people.
Thus, in v31, comes these words of instruction and promise, “Those who WAIT on the lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, whey will walk and not faint.” I put the key word in bold letters, so you can clearly see what God often calls us to do in times of pain. Yes it might offend you. After all, who wants to “wait” when there must be something that we are supposed to do.
Earlier in Isaiah 8:17, the prophet said, “I will WAIT on the Lord, Who hides His face from the house of Jacob; and I will hope on Him.” Isaiah equates waiting on God with having a true hope in God. This is the assurance that God is great. God is good. God is sovereign over all things. God watches over His children with a father’s perfect love. God will be glorified in our times of trouble and pain.
We have the privilege of knowing this and believing it. It is our joy to wait on the Lord and to know that His is good. May we be still and know that He is God and that He is with us in our times of pain and suffering (Psalm 46:10-11).
Suffering with you,
Pastor Gillikin