Suffering is painful. Death is final. Resurrection seems to be a “pie in the sky by and by” promise. Why would I want to embrace pain? Why would I want to embrace finality? Why would I place my faith in a nebulous promise?
In our western society we tend to shy from suffering and death – our own and others. We don’t want anyone to suffer or die. We don’t want to suffer or die. We spend our money alleviating suffering and postponing death. And I’m not just talking about physical suffering and death.
Could we learn to trust our Savior? Could we learn to believe His word? He is the Resurrection and the Life. And that statement isn’t just for those gathered around a grave in a cemetery. It’s for every suffering, every death. He wants to redeem our suffering. He wants to bring new life out of death.
One of my favorite songs is entitled The River. The chorus says “Death to the past it’s gone. Here’s to a new beginning for our God’s not finished yet with us.”
Today what suffering are you in the midst of? Place it alongside the suffering of Jesus – He’s been there. He understands. Ask Him what reality is in the suffering. Ask Him what needs to die so that new life can be born. These aren’t easy tasks – we want to escape from the pain and finality – but we can experience resurrection and life if we allow Him to work in the midst of it all.
Please don’t think I’m telling you to “just get over it.” I understand that suffering is painful and may last a long, long time. I understand that death is final and life is never the same again – and that is a deep, deep pain. Just keep holding on to Jesus. Just keep walking with Him. He will be the One to bring about the resurrection and life.
Matthew 16:21-27 (The Message)
You're Not in the Driver's Seat
Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive. Peter took him in hand, protesting, "Impossible, Master! That can never be!"
But Jesus didn't swerve. "Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works."
Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?
Father, thank you for Your Son who laid down His life for us. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that is present with us moment by moment. Please search us. Please sustain us. Please speak into our suffering. Amen
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