Thursday Theology: Suffering In The Real World

AS Easter rapidly approaches, a hint of warmth is joyfully now in the Spring sunshine.

This time of year, as Lent continues, reminds us of the approaching sufferings of Jesus, who went to the cross to be crucified for the sins of all mankind, so than no one would have to miss out on a relationship and abundant life with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, here on earth, as well as eternity. (It’s a wee bit of mystery after nearly 30 years, I am definitely still unravelling the depth of all of this ).

Suffering, though, comes to all of us, this side of heaven, and what we do with it is what will determine whether we not only hold on to faith (if one has it to start with), or one flounders altogether in life and the daily burdens it can bestow.

The suffering can be heavy. It can be deep. It can be prolonged. It can be lonely. It can be even devastating to one’s soul, to the point of utter despair.

Everyone suffers. And God promises to never give more than can be coped with, in his grace not merely our own. Thank goodness.

Whatever it may be, whatever you are going through right now, let not your pain and suffering be in vain.

The past three years have definitely presented challenges to us all, in slightly differing ways perhaps.

Pain is for a purpose. Afterall, if one did not feel pain, a burning finger could be burned right off the hand,

The pain within the body is for a reason. That very same hand cannot function freely as it ought, if the finger is hurt and suffering.

Similarly, with us, in our own lives, the suffering we are presenpted with – be it sickness, death, financial woes or whatever – is related to the rest of our lives.

Christian or not, suffering can – and I believe does – have a purpose, even divine. Instead of asking, “why me?” how bout asking, ‘why NOT me?’ I’ve challenged myself with that one lately.

It’s not particularly fun, no, but grappling with whatever reality of suffering one is facing is the best way to weave one’s way through it. The only way to get answers is to ask questions. (And God can handle our questions, its Christians, often, who can’t.)

Light comes, eventually, to chase away the darkness.

When Jesus was arrested before being taken to the Sanhedrin on his way to the eventual cross, he said to his companions, “Put your sword back in its place,” and added, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26 : 52 + 53).

Jesus courageously chose to walk right in to his suffering, embracing it, as the Father’s good and perfect will for his life and purpose on earth, because of the relationship and knowledge He had of Him as his good, good Father.

Similarly, when we know God as our good, good Father, it enables us to withstand the troubles and sufferings along the way. Whatever presents itself.

Easier said than done though.

The dark night can indeed be long.

It might be easier just to have the sunny, warm fuzzy feelings all the time.

The warmth of the Spring sunshine, however, can only be fully appreciated after the darkness and ice of Winter has been endured.

Spring’s light and new life then seems so much the sweeter.

But maybe that’s just me.

What’s your strategy for walking through life’s sufferings?

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