Inspiration:
My child, suffering will be a reality in your life, but I do not want you to run and hide from it or ever try to play it safe!… So please don’t fall for the idea that once you enter into a relationship with Me, you will become immune from suffering!
~ In the Presence of Jesus by Paul Bane and Matt Litton
Scripture:
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. ~ Philippians 3:10
There is no safe haven from suffering, and even the most fervent prayers of faith will not purchase a ticket shielding us from heartache. We all suffer, and the crisis never arrives on the scene at a reasonable time. Therefore, we need to come to grips with the divine mystery that the love of God does not always protect and keep us safe from suffering and death. (Overcoming the Hidden Trauma of Life)
For the Christian, there is an everlasting confidence that transcends our pain and heartache. When we hurt, we can see ourselves identifying with the suffering of all humanity and, most of all, a suffering Messiah who loves and provides comfort to us. We somehow learn to live in the middle of our deadening pain to be mindful of a love crucified on a cross continually poured out on us in our most agonizing moments. Accepting Life as it is (rather than how you would like it to be).
Instead of asking ourselves, why me? The tricky question is, why not me? In your pain, unite your body, soul, and spirit with the resurrected Christ, who suffered and died and offers you rest and peace in every moment. Take a deep breath, pause and reflect on God’s eternal plan, and release your fears into the hands of the One who lives in union with us to conquer death in us. I am always humbled in my pain to take a moment to focus on the pain Christ endured for us and to be grateful.
