Suffering. It’s a strong word.
When I think of suffering, I tend to think of the ‘big stuff’…disease, abuse, trauma, losing a loved one.
But I think there’s suffering in the little experiences of day-to-day life too.
It exists in a difficult conversation, an argument, a misunderstanding. A delay in our schedule or plans. A heartbreak.
All of those trials are the crosses we bear.
The passage reminds us “Jesus knew what was coming, but he walked toward it with peace.”
How many of us could say the same?
If we knew, for certain, what was ahead for us, would we be able to walk toward it with peace?
Truth be told, I think if we knew something difficult was just around the corner, we would likely pivot on our heels and run in the opposite direction. Do whatever we could to avoid or delay anguish, pain, failure.
The passage today tells us, though, that suffering is not a sign of failure.
Suffering in Christ is never wasted.
In whatever hardship we are walking through right now…God is working.
Honestly, I think that’s where I struggle a bit. Because, I believe God is with me, I believe He is with each of us. And I think these writings have shown me even more just how present He is in my life.
Yet when I experience hardships, I’m right back to where I started. I still question Him, I still doubt, I still want to understand ‘why’.
And then…I do what I think many of us do…I start to compare.
Maybe it’s those times, those moments, when I unwittingly compare my cross with someone else’s… that’s when I fail.
Not in the suffering, I fail because I start to turn away from God rather than walk toward Him.
Let’s face it…No one wants to experience suffering but when we do…
I think God just wants us to remember that even then— even now— even when bad stuff happens, He is with us. And He is weaving every single thread of our experiences, big and small, good and bad, into a miraculous tapestry.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Dear Lord, I surrender my worries to You. Guide me in every decision, and help me to see Your hand at work in every moment. Fill me with Your peace, courage, and endurance to face whatever comes. Amen.
