The Nature of Suffering

I had no real intention of adding a "Sunday Sermon" to the Friday Study, that is, until I met Jonathan Merchant. A "sermon" implies a church, and I think of a "church" as a PLACE where we go, rather than a series of electrical impulses, on a computer screen. This man has changed my thinking: A lot of people just can’t go to church. Some won’t go, and of those who can’t and won’t - a lot have the use of computers.

Jonathan was recently paralyzed, as the result of an automobile that left the road, "sailed" through the air, and then rolled a number of times, after it hit. Jonathan’s seat belt broke, and his neck was then broken in three places (at C5 and C6). Titanium plates have been installed in his neck.

When he and I met, I noticed he was in a part of the hospital (a separate building, actually), completely devoted to spinal cord injuries. There are many "Jonathans" in that place, with varying degrees of paralysis. Some can not move at all. Others have the use of arms, and it was a good idea to watch out, for they moved those wheelchairs FAST, down the halls. But many cannot move at all; fast or slow.

I am used to wheelchairs and hospital beds, as I spent a significant portion of my childhood in them. Also, I’ve been privileged to teach, about once a month or so, at a convalescent hospital, in Long Beach, CA. During the latter experience, I have seen at close range, the effects of helplessness (all are in wheelchairs) - what it does to a person, and the ways people respond, when life takes a "bad" turn. All are stunned, many are angry, and some trust in God.

The thing that surprised me about Jonathan, was his upbeat response to what had happened. He has the use of his arms but not his hands. His body is mostly numb, and all this happened just one month ago. He is 23-years old, in the US Army, and he has a fiancee. Jonathan is a normal, active, good-looking, bright young man, who is suddenly flat on his back in a VA hospital. A lot of the guys (and women, too) in that place, will be unable to attend church for years (if ever), and many are angry ("How could God allow this?").

It should not surprise me so much about Jonathan’s upbeat attitude, because I just spent two years, experiencing (along with other concerned persons, such as his widow and sons) the gradual death of my friend, Bob Douglass.

Bob was in our "accountability group," and he not only was a part of our lives when he was here on earth, but he is a part of us now! We continue to be impressed with Bob, because (as we put it), "he suffered well" during the cancer, and he "died well." Very well, indeed. Bob had great faith during terrible circumstances, and he is an example to us all.

I see the same quality in Jonathan that we see in Bob. He is suffering very well. Just like Bob, Christ is sustaining Him. You might object here and say, "they did well, because they had (have) the hope they might be healed." And that is true - both have looked to potential healing, for they know the character of Christ - he loves them; He loves you and me. (And Bob IS healed, by the way).

Yet there is more to illness or disability than healing, as we recently saw in the study of 2 Corinthians 1:6: "If we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or, if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation." In other words, what happens to us, is often not about us - it is for someone else. Jonathan and Bob send a message to the world, through their sufferings, that no matter what happens, we are given the Godly capacity to trust in our Lord.

Our faith WILL be tested. And our belief in Him is shown to be real faith, when it is lasting - and when our trust grows in the midst of trouble.

God sent a loud and clear message in the Book of Job, in Scripture: There is a PURPOSE in suffering. There are no accidents. God is in control. You are "fearfully and wonderfully made", just as it says in Psalm 139; just as you are. God hears you when you cry; He hears you when you pray. Christ understands whatever anger you may have, and SAW that anger at close range, while dying on the cross - for your anger, your sin, and for mine.

Sometimes, the person who is suffering is doing a great work for others in the world, but nobody (except God) knows. Often the sufferer will PRAY for you and for me. I remember my surprise when I learned that Chinese Christians are praying for American Christians. Their concern? We are "too soft" and they pray we might experience "suffering and persecution" so we may grow in our Lord (become useful to Him). It is right and reasonable to avoid unnecessary suffering, but we also remember "Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow His steps" (1 Peter 2:21).

God is good, and He wants good for you. He loves you so much that God the Son died for you, in your place. Carefully read 2 Corinthians Chapter 1, by the way, for several very specific REASONS for your suffering are given in that chapter. And Jesus Christ died that you might live. REALLY LIVE, no matter what your outward condition may seem to be. Let any anger you have go, give Him that anger (He died for your anger, your sin), and receive HIM, right now.

Father, I receive Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Come, O Lord, into that dark place of anger (and suffering), which I have nursed and hidden, for so long. More than my body, heal the depth of my soul, Lord. Touch me, deep inside, with Your love. Come into me, Lord Jesus, and let me - "die" to this anger, and live for You. I ask for my neighbor, also. That person in the next bed, the person in the cubicle beside me, in the next chair; the one in my family; that one I have called "friend"; and that person who does not like me. I ask for them, too. I am tired of my anger, Lord; this burden is too great. Lord, I receive You, now. Fill me, Holy Spirit, and grant me peace. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Ron Beckham
Friday Study Ministries
www.fridaystudy.org