beautifully broken
by landon | November 4, 2011
Recently, my father and I took a little vacation out west. We travelled from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, through the Mojave Desert, to the Bay of San Francisco, down the Pacific Coast to sunny Los Angeles. It was a week full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We took a 4X4 Jeep through the mountains, hiked the Grand Canyon, sailed around the Golden Gate and Alcatraz, cruised through Pebble Beach, and walked the streets of Hollywood.
Of all the exciting moments, one event stands out. We were in Sedona, AZ at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It is a small sanctuary snuggly situated in the mountains, overlooking some of the finest scenery nature has to offer. Dad and I reverently entered the chapel and briefly bowed at the prayer bench. The serenity of the moment was interrupted by the sobbing of a woman seated nearby. We quietly moved outside to allow her some privacy and to take in the breathtaking view, which can neither be described in words nor captured in images.
The lady from the chapel soon came outside, her makeup smeared and her eyes swollen. She took a seat close to us and gazed ahead with a melancholy stare. Soon, the tears resumed. A little later, the stream of tears transformed to a river and her body shook as she wept. My dad, who is nonintrusive by nature, could no longer remain idle. He took a seat beside her, introduced himself as a pastor, and asked if he could help her pray. I eavesdropped on the conversation and my heart slowly broke as she began to tell her story.
“Two years ago,” the lady explained, “my daughter was murdered. I need closure, to move on. I just don’t know how. I have this box of her belongings, and I want to bury it. But, I don’t know where. I have been all over town, and I can’t find the right place. I’m a Christian, but I have no peace in this situation. I just don’t know what to do. Will you pray that God will give me direction?”
As I listened in on the conversation, I continued to breathe in the crisp air and stare across the beautiful landscape. The gravity of the moment struck me, and I began to theologize. I reflected on our beautiful and broken world. I recalled how God made the world good, and how Adam and Eve lived in utopian paradise. They were whole physically, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Then sin entered in and broke God’s good world. The beauty remains, but it is tarnished by brokenness. Thus, this poor soul can gaze across the most beautiful scenery in the world while simultaneously experiencing the most intense grief in the world. Indescribable beauty. Indescribable brokenness.
We have to accept this reality—we live in a beautifully broken world. Some Christians focus on the brokenness and depravity of the world, haplessly waiting on a “gospel ship” to take them to the “other side of Jordan.” They fail to appreciate the natural grace granted by God and miss the beauty of this world. Other Christians deny the brokenness of this world. They believe that their faith will keep all sickness, suffering, and sorrow far away. They fail to acknowledge that this world is imperfect. They don’t understand that the battle cry of the early church was “Maranatha (Lord come!)” because the Spirit-filled followers of Jesus recognized that this world is seriously flawed and awaits the final redemption of the Son.
The streams of beauty and brokenness that implicitly define our reality explicitly converged in Sedona.
What do you think? Do you have a “theology of suffering”? How do you explain bad things that happen to good people? How do you counsel a sincere Christian that is going through an especially difficult trial?
Posted by chris poole on December 23, 2011
it is very hard to explain to a Christian that is suffering but at the same time look at the book of Job. Job was a faithful and righteous follower of Christ and expierenced every hardship possible aside from death. Suffering is to show us that God will be with us through our hardest situations and no matter what is going on in our life. We must stay faithful to our Father as he tests us though!
it is very hard to explain to a Christian that is suffering but at the same time look at the book of Job. Job was a faithful and righteous follower of Christ and expierenced every hardship possible aside from death. Suffering is to show us that God will be with us through our hardest situations and no matter what is going on in our life. We must stay faithful to our Father as he tests us though!
Posted by Jolene on December 13, 2011
I know I am commenting on this blog over a month after it has been written. I have had to give it some thought. At our church it has seemed like we have been going through a season of death and devastation. It has seemed like every couple of weeks someone in our church has died or I hear of someone else going through a divorce. Just a couple weeks ago I sat behind a little girl who just cried and cried and then cried some more because her parents are going through a divorce. And for me personally right after this blog was written a lady hat I had come to know and love dearly went to be with the Lord. Not only was she my friend but she was the mother of some people that are closer to me than my own family. I have seen her children grieve her passing and that alone as brought back feelings of my daddy passing and I have felt like I have been grieving that all over again. But at the end of the day I have a choice. I can wallow in the sufferings of this world or I can choose to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and know that through him alone I can overcome every sorrow this world can throw on me. And I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus. By doing that I am not saying that sometimes I won’t feel broken and shattered but I know that He is close to the broken hearted…and that is the beauty of brokenness.
I know I am commenting on this blog over a month after it has been written. I have had to give it some thought. At our church it has seemed like we have been going through a season of death and devastation. It has seemed like every couple of weeks someone in our church has died or I hear of someone else going through a divorce. Just a couple weeks ago I sat behind a little girl who just cried and cried and then cried some more because her parents are going through a divorce. And for me personally right after this blog was written a lady hat I had come to know and love dearly went to be with the Lord. Not only was she my friend but she was the mother of some people that are closer to me than my own family. I have seen her children grieve her passing and that alone as brought back feelings of my daddy passing and I have felt like I have been grieving that all over again. But at the end of the day I have a choice. I can wallow in the sufferings of this world or I can choose to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and know that through him alone I can overcome every sorrow this world can throw on me. And I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus. By doing that I am not saying that sometimes I won’t feel broken and shattered but I know that He is close to the broken hearted…and that is the beauty of brokenness.
Posted by Roger Powers on December 12, 2011
In this world we will all deal with suffering, some more than others. My wife and I lead our churches Celebrate Recovery ministry and we see people all the time that have suffered from things I couldn't imagine going through. How do I think we explain the struggles of this life to people that are suffering in ways that we can't comprehend? I think we just love them, be there for them, and show them what Christ is all about. Sometimes our mistakes is what brings on the trials but sometimes bad things just happen. Its all in how we as Christians respond and handle the situations. Do we blame God and fall away from him or do we fall back into his arms and let him carry us through the storm.
In this world we will all deal with suffering, some more than others. My wife and I lead our churches Celebrate Recovery ministry and we see people all the time that have suffered from things I couldn't imagine going through. How do I think we explain the struggles of this life to people that are suffering in ways that we can't comprehend? I think we just love them, be there for them, and show them what Christ is all about. Sometimes our mistakes is what brings on the trials but sometimes bad things just happen. Its all in how we as Christians respond and handle the situations. Do we blame God and fall away from him or do we fall back into his arms and let him carry us through the storm.
Posted by Tony Ross on December 1, 2011
Sometimes, I think God lets things happen to us to teach us a lesson. Just a little story to explain.I have 3 beautiful children. My youngest is a boy, and his name is Camden. If any of you have kids, you know when they are 6 weeks old, you take them to have their round of shots. One of the shot they receive is their pertussis shot. Well before he was old enough to get his shots, he came down with pertussis (whooping cough). We took him to his pedi. Dr, and he gave us med for the flu, and sent us home. 3 Days later we took him back because he would cough till he lost his breath and started turning blue. When we went back, they checked for pertussis, and found he had it and put him in the hospital immediately. We were at that hospital for two nights, three days. While we were there, the nurses and Dr. would freak out when he started having his coughing spells. They didn’t have a clue what to do. So we requested to be moved. They agreed happily and got an ambulance from Memorial Herman in Houston to come and get him that night. When he got there, he was put next to the nurses station so they could keep a close eye on him. That night and the next day he was still getting worse. The second night we were there, he coded (stopped breathing). I hope none of you ever have to see the entire hospital staff at Herman running towards your 5 week old child. You can only imagine what was running through my head. At this point in my life, my family and I had just found our church. The night he coded, when I hit my knees, I didn’t ask God not to take him, but I asked for his will to be done. No I didn’t want him to go to heaven, but I knew that God had a bigger plan. Why did this happen to me, I have no idea, but it taught me to appreciate every single moment, and take nothing for granted. The best part of the entire trial that my wife and I went through is when my wife prayed. After he coded, it was probably 5 hours before we got to see him. They came and got us and took us to the ICU where he was at for 8 days. When we walked in, the only thing you could see was his head because of all the tubes and I V’s. We walked in and my wife got on her knees and prayed. She told God she needed an answer: is he going, or is he staying! When she stood up, Camden opened his eyes and looked straight at her, and the nurse had a fit. He said there is no way this baby is opening his eyes, and moving his head because they had him in a medically induced coma. He said he (Camden) had as much medicine in him as a full grown adult would before he went back to sleep. This was the answer my wife needed. Why do bad things happen to good people? In my opinion, it is to teach us a lesson. I didn’t see the lesson then, but I do now.
Sometimes, I think God lets things happen to us to teach us a lesson. Just a little story to explain.I have 3 beautiful children. My youngest is a boy, and his name is Camden. If any of you have kids, you know when they are 6 weeks old, you take them to have their round of shots. One of the shot they receive is their pertussis shot. Well before he was old enough to get his shots, he came down with pertussis (whooping cough). We took him to his pedi. Dr, and he gave us med for the flu, and sent us home. 3 Days later we took him back because he would cough till he lost his breath and started turning blue. When we went back, they checked for pertussis, and found he had it and put him in the hospital immediately. We were at that hospital for two nights, three days. While we were there, the nurses and Dr. would freak out when he started having his coughing spells. They didn’t have a clue what to do. So we requested to be moved. They agreed happily and got an ambulance from Memorial Herman in Houston to come and get him that night. When he got there, he was put next to the nurses station so they could keep a close eye on him. That night and the next day he was still getting worse. The second night we were there, he coded (stopped breathing). I hope none of you ever have to see the entire hospital staff at Herman running towards your 5 week old child. You can only imagine what was running through my head. At this point in my life, my family and I had just found our church. The night he coded, when I hit my knees, I didn’t ask God not to take him, but I asked for his will to be done. No I didn’t want him to go to heaven, but I knew that God had a bigger plan. Why did this happen to me, I have no idea, but it taught me to appreciate every single moment, and take nothing for granted. The best part of the entire trial that my wife and I went through is when my wife prayed. After he coded, it was probably 5 hours before we got to see him. They came and got us and took us to the ICU where he was at for 8 days. When we walked in, the only thing you could see was his head because of all the tubes and I V’s. We walked in and my wife got on her knees and prayed. She told God she needed an answer: is he going, or is he staying! When she stood up, Camden opened his eyes and looked straight at her, and the nurse had a fit. He said there is no way this baby is opening his eyes, and moving his head because they had him in a medically induced coma. He said he (Camden) had as much medicine in him as a full grown adult would before he went back to sleep. This was the answer my wife needed. Why do bad things happen to good people? In my opinion, it is to teach us a lesson. I didn’t see the lesson then, but I do now.
Posted by Doug Hollis on November 21, 2011
Oh, the age old question! Why does bad things happen to good people? So many great responses have given me a lot to think about. Is there truly an answer? Is it that God set this world in motion and allows life just to happen? God's word states that it rains on the just and the unjust alike. Biblical history shows where God did influence indviduals and circumstances to work His plan for humanity. So does life just happen? Romans 9 states: 15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."16So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Scripture shows that God's ways are not our ways nor His thoughts our thoughts. I have seen what appears to be the wicked or unrighteous indviduals prosper seemingly at every turn. At the same time I have seen the righteous or the good indviduals have despair, anguish and turmoil at every turn in their lives. When I reflect upon this, I think of the following passage in scripture. Isaiah 55 8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.10"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. In the context of this chapter, I feel that God is calling His people back to Himself so that He may bless them and care for them. Letting them know that His thoughts and ways are higher than theirs. Only God knows His divine plan in the scheme of things. Paul writes in I Corinthians 2:14: The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. Tagging off of Diana's response I feel that through all things God is trying to position us where he desires us to be as He was with the Children of Israel in Isaiah 55! Looking at the story of Mary and Martha, Mary exemplifies this very thing. She always positioned herself at the feet of Jesus in worship and adoration. Things were not always easy for her. The world brought its torrent of problems and pain but she was still able to annoint and wash Jesus feet. Because of the Spirit, she may not have understood what and why she was going through such anguish, she was able to accept and believe that God was for her!
Oh, the age old question! Why does bad things happen to good people? So many great responses have given me a lot to think about. Is there truly an answer? Is it that God set this world in motion and allows life just to happen? God's word states that it rains on the just and the unjust alike. Biblical history shows where God did influence indviduals and circumstances to work His plan for humanity. So does life just happen? Romans 9 states: 15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."16So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Scripture shows that God's ways are not our ways nor His thoughts our thoughts. I have seen what appears to be the wicked or unrighteous indviduals prosper seemingly at every turn. At the same time I have seen the righteous or the good indviduals have despair, anguish and turmoil at every turn in their lives. When I reflect upon this, I think of the following passage in scripture. Isaiah 55 8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.10"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. In the context of this chapter, I feel that God is calling His people back to Himself so that He may bless them and care for them. Letting them know that His thoughts and ways are higher than theirs. Only God knows His divine plan in the scheme of things. Paul writes in I Corinthians 2:14: The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. Tagging off of Diana's response I feel that through all things God is trying to position us where he desires us to be as He was with the Children of Israel in Isaiah 55! Looking at the story of Mary and Martha, Mary exemplifies this very thing. She always positioned herself at the feet of Jesus in worship and adoration. Things were not always easy for her. The world brought its torrent of problems and pain but she was still able to annoint and wash Jesus feet. Because of the Spirit, she may not have understood what and why she was going through such anguish, she was able to accept and believe that God was for her!
Posted by Jon Segatto on November 17, 2011
When we submit our lives to God, and it is no longer our life does God not have reign to do what He wills? If we stray from the straight and narrow path, does God not love us enough to correct us in order to get us back on track? If it takes suffering in order to get my attention to correct my path, than I'll take it. Jer 29:11 is a favorite when it comes to helping others get through a tuff time and a time of need.
When we submit our lives to God, and it is no longer our life does God not have reign to do what He wills? If we stray from the straight and narrow path, does God not love us enough to correct us in order to get us back on track? If it takes suffering in order to get my attention to correct my path, than I'll take it. Jer 29:11 is a favorite when it comes to helping others get through a tuff time and a time of need.
Posted by Eddie Ewell on November 15, 2011
I agree with Diana we tend to take credit for a lot of our success when the ball is rolling. When tough times arise we want God to just show up give us an explanation or bail us out immediately. God can do these things because he has done it for me many times but he has also let me go through somethings not just for me but for others. This is when Christians should really let there light shine because God just might be using you to reach someone else that is lost or unsure. For someone that does not understand faith they need to see faith at work. We witness experiences that others go through and sometimes realize that our trials are not what we make them out to be and we should be thanking the Lord that we did not have wear their shoes. We have to pray for direction daily and try to focus on the good God has done in our lives and have faith that our blessing is on the way.
I agree with Diana we tend to take credit for a lot of our success when the ball is rolling. When tough times arise we want God to just show up give us an explanation or bail us out immediately. God can do these things because he has done it for me many times but he has also let me go through somethings not just for me but for others. This is when Christians should really let there light shine because God just might be using you to reach someone else that is lost or unsure. For someone that does not understand faith they need to see faith at work. We witness experiences that others go through and sometimes realize that our trials are not what we make them out to be and we should be thanking the Lord that we did not have wear their shoes. We have to pray for direction daily and try to focus on the good God has done in our lives and have faith that our blessing is on the way.
Posted by Brandon on November 13, 2011
wow! thats incredible how one story can impact a life so much. that makes me stop to think about past hurts and the ones im dealing with now. this is only a season and i have to be ready.
wow! thats incredible how one story can impact a life so much. that makes me stop to think about past hurts and the ones im dealing with now. this is only a season and i have to be ready.
Posted by Tammy Cook on November 13, 2011
I feel GOD lets us go through troubles(vallies) for a reason. Through this we learn true compassion for others. It is these times we really call on JESUS for help and keeps our relationship strong. GODS true desire is to have a good relationship with HIM.
I feel GOD lets us go through troubles(vallies) for a reason. Through this we learn true compassion for others. It is these times we really call on JESUS for help and keeps our relationship strong. GODS true desire is to have a good relationship with HIM.
Posted by Jon Segatto on November 12, 2011
I'm not sure if I have a rock solid theory on why bad things happen to good people. I once heard someone say, what's the difference between a butcher and a surgen? The butcher cuts to destroy and the surgen cuts to heal. When the word of God "cuts" you let it heal you, not destroy you. You can look at suffering many different ways and choose to let it consume you, or look to the one and only God almighty. Let me me ask this, why is it that when we do something wrong and we are corrected by God, we look at it as "bad" or why did this happen to me? Should we not expect correction when we do wrong in Gods eyes to keep us on the straight and narrow? When it comes to death of a loved one, can we not see that maybe that person has fulfilled Gods will and that it is time for them to be rewarded by going to be with Jesus? Many times we are so wrapped up in what we want or what is best for us in our own eyes that we don't look at it from the other side. What does God want and how will we let Him use us! A favorite passage of mine to use is Jeremiah 29:11, its truth will make you think twice about your life.
I'm not sure if I have a rock solid theory on why bad things happen to good people. I once heard someone say, what's the difference between a butcher and a surgen? The butcher cuts to destroy and the surgen cuts to heal. When the word of God "cuts" you let it heal you, not destroy you. You can look at suffering many different ways and choose to let it consume you, or look to the one and only God almighty. Let me me ask this, why is it that when we do something wrong and we are corrected by God, we look at it as "bad" or why did this happen to me? Should we not expect correction when we do wrong in Gods eyes to keep us on the straight and narrow? When it comes to death of a loved one, can we not see that maybe that person has fulfilled Gods will and that it is time for them to be rewarded by going to be with Jesus? Many times we are so wrapped up in what we want or what is best for us in our own eyes that we don't look at it from the other side. What does God want and how will we let Him use us! A favorite passage of mine to use is Jeremiah 29:11, its truth will make you think twice about your life.
Posted by Diana Brassfield on November 11, 2011
I think that in our suffering, we naturally cling to God a little more. There's just something inside of us that inevitably knows that God can hold and comfort better than anyone or anything else. It's in the midst of suffering that we really, honestly LOOK for God's faithfulness. And it's when we finally SEE it...I think so often, we blaze through life and fail to acknowledge how faithful God truly is. And often, when we do, it is only on the fly - "Thank you, Jesus!" and keep moving. I believe God allows some things to happen sometimes to position us where we should have been all along: in His lap, at His feet, holding His hand, letting Him lead....His light is the brightest in the dark....
I think that in our suffering, we naturally cling to God a little more. There's just something inside of us that inevitably knows that God can hold and comfort better than anyone or anything else. It's in the midst of suffering that we really, honestly LOOK for God's faithfulness. And it's when we finally SEE it...I think so often, we blaze through life and fail to acknowledge how faithful God truly is. And often, when we do, it is only on the fly - "Thank you, Jesus!" and keep moving. I believe God allows some things to happen sometimes to position us where we should have been all along: in His lap, at His feet, holding His hand, letting Him lead....His light is the brightest in the dark....
Posted by Ron Moss on November 10, 2011
I’ve never experienced tragedy in such a way, I couldn’t imagine dealing with the loss of a child. I do know some that have. I can say that some turned to God for their healing while others turned to other things. The ones that turned to God healed and those that turned away are still yet to be healed. I know that God is their to pick us up and heal us. What I find interesting is that your father was their at the exact same time as this woman to share her grief and to offer her a comforting ear and a compassionate heart. God doesn’t leave us alone in times of great loss. He is a compassionate God Sometimes the best words are the words unspoken but yet a hug and an open ear along with a compassionate heart.
I’ve never experienced tragedy in such a way, I couldn’t imagine dealing with the loss of a child. I do know some that have. I can say that some turned to God for their healing while others turned to other things. The ones that turned to God healed and those that turned away are still yet to be healed. I know that God is their to pick us up and heal us. What I find interesting is that your father was their at the exact same time as this woman to share her grief and to offer her a comforting ear and a compassionate heart. God doesn’t leave us alone in times of great loss. He is a compassionate God Sometimes the best words are the words unspoken but yet a hug and an open ear along with a compassionate heart.
Posted by Karen Holford on November 10, 2011
What a beautifully poignant look at the juxtaposition of the majesty of God’s creation and the tragedy of sin that surrounds us in this broken world! This speaks volumes to what our Associate Pastor often says: “we live in a real world, with real problems, but we serve a real God! Life happens, God provides!” I do strongly believe God’s promises of blessings and protection; however He did give mankind the freedom of choice. We do live in a broken world. I think when tragedy strikes, we as believers really have no choice but to trust that God will somehow “work together all things for good for those that love God”, and that He holds every tear that we cry in the palm of His hand.
What a beautifully poignant look at the juxtaposition of the majesty of God’s creation and the tragedy of sin that surrounds us in this broken world! This speaks volumes to what our Associate Pastor often says: “we live in a real world, with real problems, but we serve a real God! Life happens, God provides!” I do strongly believe God’s promises of blessings and protection; however He did give mankind the freedom of choice. We do live in a broken world. I think when tragedy strikes, we as believers really have no choice but to trust that God will somehow “work together all things for good for those that love God”, and that He holds every tear that we cry in the palm of His hand.
Posted by Donna Farmer on November 7, 2011
I have thought on this woman’s pain and suffering as Landon describes it. I have one daughter and cannot imagine the pain of losing her. My brother lost his only son, so that kind of pain has been very near to me. I pray I never know that pain. I too have been to the western US. Amazing beauty; words cannot accurately describe the wonders God has created. (Take some time and go see them.) My thoughts turn to 1 Peter 5:10 (But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.) We cannot possibly escape this world without pain. We will suffer. Christ certainly did suffer. If (since) Christ suffered, how do we think we shall escape it? We do not. But then, notice His words “perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you”. The words speak of strength and resoluteness. Our struggles produce strength of character, give hope, and increase our faithfulness. When anyone suffers deeply, it is hard to imagine that the beauty of this world can shine through. Sometimes, when struggling, the Lord reminds me of His majesty and His beauty, by showing me His creation. Maybe it’s in the perfect face of my big gray cat, or the hello nicker of my new horse, or maybe it’s the sun bouncing off the pond blinding me at 5AM. Sometimes, it’s in the breeze that He reminds me that we are never alone, even in our suffering; our sadness, He is always close. It is our duty and honor to show the love of Christ to others in their suffering. Pour out the Holy Spirit that lives inside of you, on others who need the love of God. Our Savior, who suffered, knows our pains. He loves us and He is, as always…right here.
I have thought on this woman’s pain and suffering as Landon describes it. I have one daughter and cannot imagine the pain of losing her. My brother lost his only son, so that kind of pain has been very near to me. I pray I never know that pain. I too have been to the western US. Amazing beauty; words cannot accurately describe the wonders God has created. (Take some time and go see them.) My thoughts turn to 1 Peter 5:10 (But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.) We cannot possibly escape this world without pain. We will suffer. Christ certainly did suffer. If (since) Christ suffered, how do we think we shall escape it? We do not. But then, notice His words “perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you”. The words speak of strength and resoluteness. Our struggles produce strength of character, give hope, and increase our faithfulness. When anyone suffers deeply, it is hard to imagine that the beauty of this world can shine through. Sometimes, when struggling, the Lord reminds me of His majesty and His beauty, by showing me His creation. Maybe it’s in the perfect face of my big gray cat, or the hello nicker of my new horse, or maybe it’s the sun bouncing off the pond blinding me at 5AM. Sometimes, it’s in the breeze that He reminds me that we are never alone, even in our suffering; our sadness, He is always close. It is our duty and honor to show the love of Christ to others in their suffering. Pour out the Holy Spirit that lives inside of you, on others who need the love of God. Our Savior, who suffered, knows our pains. He loves us and He is, as always…right here.
Posted by Mike Mason on November 7, 2011
Heard this story yesterday in the sermon delivered by Landon's father and was moved. This poor woman was surrounded by the absolute public grandeur of God's creation but immersed in her own private world of suffering and helplessness. But I get it - there have been times in my own life when I felt like things couldn't possibly get worse. You simply feel stuck and you think there is no way out. You think you are alone - but that is when the Lord does His best work. It's like that old poem "Footprints in the Sand." That's when He carries you and the weight of your problems. Christ said himself we will have trouble in this world. But take heart. For He overcame the world. (John 16:33)
Heard this story yesterday in the sermon delivered by Landon's father and was moved. This poor woman was surrounded by the absolute public grandeur of God's creation but immersed in her own private world of suffering and helplessness. But I get it - there have been times in my own life when I felt like things couldn't possibly get worse. You simply feel stuck and you think there is no way out. You think you are alone - but that is when the Lord does His best work. It's like that old poem "Footprints in the Sand." That's when He carries you and the weight of your problems. Christ said himself we will have trouble in this world. But take heart. For He overcame the world. (John 16:33)
Posted by Jeff Mitchell on November 6, 2011
I would have to explain dealing with suffering the same why I tell people about Jesus, by testimony. I haven't suffered in all ways and certainly have not experienced all that the cruel world has to offer, but I have seen enough to understand the essence of suffering. The loss, the lack of control, the hopelessness that one feels when it all spirals way beyond our control. Bottom line is that Jesus suffered and was tempted in all the ways we are. (I put them both together because suffering is temptation in its essence) He has overcome the world and if we follow Him, we are guaranteed a hope and a future. Remembering He will not put more on us than we can handle and all suffering is simply a testing of our faith. I know; easily said, not so easily done.
I would have to explain dealing with suffering the same why I tell people about Jesus, by testimony. I haven't suffered in all ways and certainly have not experienced all that the cruel world has to offer, but I have seen enough to understand the essence of suffering. The loss, the lack of control, the hopelessness that one feels when it all spirals way beyond our control. Bottom line is that Jesus suffered and was tempted in all the ways we are. (I put them both together because suffering is temptation in its essence) He has overcome the world and if we follow Him, we are guaranteed a hope and a future. Remembering He will not put more on us than we can handle and all suffering is simply a testing of our faith. I know; easily said, not so easily done.
Posted by Denise Piper on November 5, 2011
It is so easy to give quick, pat answers when we meet people with deep needs, especially if we have not been where they are. I believe that God allows us to travel some really hard, dark paths, so that we can help others through those valleys. When He allows us to go through the dark places, He goes with us and helps us through. That is a powerful testimony to others of how faithful Jesus is to us. 2 Timothy 3:12 "...all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." So we know that troubles will come, but we also know that He is faithful to keep us in the day of trouble.
It is so easy to give quick, pat answers when we meet people with deep needs, especially if we have not been where they are. I believe that God allows us to travel some really hard, dark paths, so that we can help others through those valleys. When He allows us to go through the dark places, He goes with us and helps us through. That is a powerful testimony to others of how faithful Jesus is to us. 2 Timothy 3:12 "...all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." So we know that troubles will come, but we also know that He is faithful to keep us in the day of trouble.
Posted by Clayton Dittman on November 5, 2011
I do have a theology of suffering. God made all things in perfection and fullness but through sin the fullness was depreciated and the perfection was unattainable and in many ways inconceivable to those who partook in it. God still see's his beauty and the possibilities but man in his now faulted and tainted view and understanding has lost his ability to see what God sees, except through God's own revelation of those situations. Man not knowing what he was meant for often defaults to things his now underdeveloped understanding and less than perfect mind can understand. Not understand or realizing what exactly should be done he follows his sinful gut and trust his misleading heart still in ignorance of what is really supposed to be done, he is without God. So murder and rape and offenses that man assaults against one another is a result of our choosing to sin and live outside of God's revelation. God came to earth to rescue us from this horrible tragedy. He offered himself up as the sacrifice and as payment for the sins f all man. through his death and resurrection he created an open door for us to not only cheat death but find peace and understanding. God did this because he cares for us, he loves us to death and he won't ever stop at pursuing us. God knows hurt and he lost his child, resist the urge to see through hurt and anger and ask God for his revelation on your situation. God waste no pain, He has overcomes the world and he waits for you to come to him so that he may give you understanding and truth about your pain and help you heal. God couldn't stand to see us hurt and destroyed and he is determined to heal those even when they deny their need for it. God doesn't cause pain but he does understand, hurt with and reach out toward those who have been wronged. He doesn't rescue us from every hard situation or hurtful experience, but he offers healing and relationship with an infinitely perfect, loving and merciful God that you should not be left in your grief and pain to lose enjoyment of life, instead he works to apply grace and love to your soul and bring healing and deliverance to your heart feeing you from the affects that come from tragedy. Only God's love can do this, for only He has overcome the world and only He can reveal your pain and love you through it. God doesn't offer a life full of bliss and lack of pain but rather the strength and love to see you through it all. Relationship with him is the only way out of your pain, though it may be the hardest and the scariest. He is our only hope in these kind of situations. Prayer is the first step but often counseling and supportive but protective community is essential. Openness and discussion bring freedom, while silence and isolation bring deadness and loneliness to the hurt and only encumber healing. God loves you and if you let him he will guide you through each tragic symptom and fault of your painful and excruciating experience. God will take care of you, though you may feel it's to late. I know because he took care of me. This is probably how I would address the hurting christian facing tragic and shameful or even distressing events. It give understanding of the original intent of God, perfection. Man's response, Rebellion. The result, sin = destruction and corruption. God's response, Salvation and Love and Kindness. Man's opportunity, deeper relationship with him and ultimate healing. I do it this way because only through an intimate relationship with God will one life ever begin to make sense and a lack of clarity is confusion which harbors fear and pain. God's love and truth shed light on peoples darkness, the fear and pain, and bring a deliverance they never knew was possible. He is our Hero and that is how we should treat him, even more so because we the church were the damsel in distress he rescued and now lives to love and provide for.
I do have a theology of suffering. God made all things in perfection and fullness but through sin the fullness was depreciated and the perfection was unattainable and in many ways inconceivable to those who partook in it. God still see's his beauty and the possibilities but man in his now faulted and tainted view and understanding has lost his ability to see what God sees, except through God's own revelation of those situations. Man not knowing what he was meant for often defaults to things his now underdeveloped understanding and less than perfect mind can understand. Not understand or realizing what exactly should be done he follows his sinful gut and trust his misleading heart still in ignorance of what is really supposed to be done, he is without God. So murder and rape and offenses that man assaults against one another is a result of our choosing to sin and live outside of God's revelation. God came to earth to rescue us from this horrible tragedy. He offered himself up as the sacrifice and as payment for the sins f all man. through his death and resurrection he created an open door for us to not only cheat death but find peace and understanding. God did this because he cares for us, he loves us to death and he won't ever stop at pursuing us. God knows hurt and he lost his child, resist the urge to see through hurt and anger and ask God for his revelation on your situation. God waste no pain, He has overcomes the world and he waits for you to come to him so that he may give you understanding and truth about your pain and help you heal. God couldn't stand to see us hurt and destroyed and he is determined to heal those even when they deny their need for it. God doesn't cause pain but he does understand, hurt with and reach out toward those who have been wronged. He doesn't rescue us from every hard situation or hurtful experience, but he offers healing and relationship with an infinitely perfect, loving and merciful God that you should not be left in your grief and pain to lose enjoyment of life, instead he works to apply grace and love to your soul and bring healing and deliverance to your heart feeing you from the affects that come from tragedy. Only God's love can do this, for only He has overcome the world and only He can reveal your pain and love you through it. God doesn't offer a life full of bliss and lack of pain but rather the strength and love to see you through it all. Relationship with him is the only way out of your pain, though it may be the hardest and the scariest. He is our only hope in these kind of situations. Prayer is the first step but often counseling and supportive but protective community is essential. Openness and discussion bring freedom, while silence and isolation bring deadness and loneliness to the hurt and only encumber healing. God loves you and if you let him he will guide you through each tragic symptom and fault of your painful and excruciating experience. God will take care of you, though you may feel it's to late. I know because he took care of me. This is probably how I would address the hurting christian facing tragic and shameful or even distressing events. It give understanding of the original intent of God, perfection. Man's response, Rebellion. The result, sin = destruction and corruption. God's response, Salvation and Love and Kindness. Man's opportunity, deeper relationship with him and ultimate healing. I do it this way because only through an intimate relationship with God will one life ever begin to make sense and a lack of clarity is confusion which harbors fear and pain. God's love and truth shed light on peoples darkness, the fear and pain, and bring a deliverance they never knew was possible. He is our Hero and that is how we should treat him, even more so because we the church were the damsel in distress he rescued and now lives to love and provide for.
Posted by TY ERIC COOK on November 5, 2011
I often think about in scripture when is says in "this world" you will have trouble, I think that is fitting for this story, even though there is beauty there is also "trouble" and it may come in several forms, a death of a loved one, divorce, sickness, poverty etc. We also have an advesary the evil one that comes only to kill, steal and destroy that we have to contend with. There are also spiritual forces at work when we suffer, Job comes to mind. When I counsel people going through difficulty I try to remind them that God is always there and will never abandon them, no matter how difficult it may seem, he may not take it away but he will walk with us during those times of suffering. Also I belive that is the time we grow spiritually stronger and wiser when we face challenges and even grief at times. We must remember also that one day, we will be out of "this world" and on back to the way the lord intended for things to be, we can rest assured of that as God's covenant people.
I often think about in scripture when is says in "this world" you will have trouble, I think that is fitting for this story, even though there is beauty there is also "trouble" and it may come in several forms, a death of a loved one, divorce, sickness, poverty etc. We also have an advesary the evil one that comes only to kill, steal and destroy that we have to contend with. There are also spiritual forces at work when we suffer, Job comes to mind. When I counsel people going through difficulty I try to remind them that God is always there and will never abandon them, no matter how difficult it may seem, he may not take it away but he will walk with us during those times of suffering. Also I belive that is the time we grow spiritually stronger and wiser when we face challenges and even grief at times. We must remember also that one day, we will be out of "this world" and on back to the way the lord intended for things to be, we can rest assured of that as God's covenant people.
Posted by Pat Meeks on November 5, 2011
Such a powerful story & an interesting quandry. There are many questions that I can't begin to answer & for me I have had to find a place of acceptance for that! I heard Kris Vallotton say once that if you understand God then you have an inferior relationship with Him! As a Christian I know that I am not promised blue skies & sunshine every day! I also know I have been comissioned to seek & save that wich is lost. God wants to shape us to be better people through our life experiences & those processes are not always fun to say the least. Last year my siblings & I very unexpectedly lost our 38 year old brother. It was a very difficult time for our family. I reached a point in prayer when I told God help me realize that I don't have to understand everything that happens around me! I also prayed that He would help me not try to understand how He would keep the many promises in His Word! When I read Romans 8:28 wich is one of my favorite promises in the Bible I know I don't have to understand how all things work for the good of those who love Him. It's enough to know that's His promise to me & all those who love Him! I can look back & see a process in my life of being on the potters wheel & being molded. As I look back I didn't much care for the process but as He's molding me & I'm growing I am so thankful for it!
Such a powerful story & an interesting quandry. There are many questions that I can't begin to answer & for me I have had to find a place of acceptance for that! I heard Kris Vallotton say once that if you understand God then you have an inferior relationship with Him! As a Christian I know that I am not promised blue skies & sunshine every day! I also know I have been comissioned to seek & save that wich is lost. God wants to shape us to be better people through our life experiences & those processes are not always fun to say the least. Last year my siblings & I very unexpectedly lost our 38 year old brother. It was a very difficult time for our family. I reached a point in prayer when I told God help me realize that I don't have to understand everything that happens around me! I also prayed that He would help me not try to understand how He would keep the many promises in His Word! When I read Romans 8:28 wich is one of my favorite promises in the Bible I know I don't have to understand how all things work for the good of those who love Him. It's enough to know that's His promise to me & all those who love Him! I can look back & see a process in my life of being on the potters wheel & being molded. As I look back I didn't much care for the process but as He's molding me & I'm growing I am so thankful for it!
Posted by Amanda on November 5, 2011
Wow. I have such a vivid picture in my head of this moment. Last night I too had a moment sort of like this. A new friend, Jesus loving, explained to me about his venture into the military when he was younger. He asked me where I stood on the military. I could sense a deeper issue so I started discussing things with him. Come to find out, he is carrying around a lot of guilt. He knows what he did over there was wrong and he is deeply burdened by it. My husband said it best when he told him that God sees his heart, God knows where he stood and where he stands now. I just reminded him that God forgives, sometimes, we just need to hear that. Most times, it is us who cannot forgive ourselves. I often tell people in their times of trouble that they are "living their testimony." Its a quote I am heard saying often but I believe it is true. We go through trials so that we can help others. So many incidents in my life I have questioned at the time, but of all of them, I have helped at least one person, been able to relate to their situations., and given advice. I really enjoyed reading this. Thank you for sharing!
Wow. I have such a vivid picture in my head of this moment. Last night I too had a moment sort of like this. A new friend, Jesus loving, explained to me about his venture into the military when he was younger. He asked me where I stood on the military. I could sense a deeper issue so I started discussing things with him. Come to find out, he is carrying around a lot of guilt. He knows what he did over there was wrong and he is deeply burdened by it. My husband said it best when he told him that God sees his heart, God knows where he stood and where he stands now. I just reminded him that God forgives, sometimes, we just need to hear that. Most times, it is us who cannot forgive ourselves. I often tell people in their times of trouble that they are "living their testimony." Its a quote I am heard saying often but I believe it is true. We go through trials so that we can help others. So many incidents in my life I have questioned at the time, but of all of them, I have helped at least one person, been able to relate to their situations., and given advice. I really enjoyed reading this. Thank you for sharing!