It’s fair to say that I don’t enjoy suffering. It makes you uncomfortable, confronts and
creates insecurities you never grasped, and forces you to come to grips with the evil in the world.
At times, our suffering reveals the necessity for retribution or reward.
Over the last ten years (but let’s be honest, 26), I have had many experiences and
seasons of suffering. For example, I’ve walked through the separation of my parents and
my dad’s death. Although this was years ago, I’m uncertain that I’ve suffered through every part.
Part of me wonders if I viewed suffering as a detour rather than a rest stop.
In each of my blog posts (I think?) I’ve mentioned that I’m reading through my Bible
plan, approaching the scriptures “differently” than before. And I’ve made the pit stop to
the book of Job. The first thing that came to mind was; “we get it; Job had a rough go.”
After the thought, I wanted to challenge myself to find a theme besides the typical “Job
suffered well” view and push it to consider the emotions intended to be conveyed and
questions that the text is trying to provoke.
With that being the foundation, I came across the first exchange between Job and
Eliphaz. What struck me was this phrase:
“Behold, this we have searched out; it is true. Hear, and know it for your good.”
~ Job 5:27
In this short bookmark for Eliphaz, I was struck with how the world reflects and engages
with suffering itself. Sometimes Christians espouse a similar idea:
Suffering is meant to be avoided at best and rushed at most.
I remember after my dad’s passing, attending the funeral and reception, and even
spending time with friends afterwards, there was a consistent bombardment of “grieve
well so you can move on.” And it’s possible that this wasn’t the exact phrasing of their
sentiments. However true that may be,
The suffering you’re feeling is just an inconvenience on the road of life.
I’m sure many don’t consider the beauty of suffering. So many people I’ve talked to,
myself included, ask, “When can I catch a break?”. When we endure suffering, grief,
loss, pain, and anything jeopardizing our comfort, we want to return to the good ol’ days.
Suffering for the Christian is joy.
One temptation we can face when Christian brothers and sisters go through hardship
and “wallow” in their suffering, we can be tempted to say, “The Bible says this is a good
thing, so get over it. It’s all a part of God’s plan.”
When we rush people’s suffering, we rob them of true joy.
Although the truth we speak may be grounded biblically and plotted out with logic and
zeal for truth, what if we are meant to feel the suffering we are enduring. To lean into the
feelings of grief and pain?
When we lean into our suffering, we move closer to the image of Jesus.
What is the “application” for us, then? As ministers of the Word (or aspiring to be), how
can we pastor a suffering parishioner well? How can we genuinely care for their soul?
How can we shepherd them further into the likeness of Christ? And how can the believer suffer well?
We can suffer well by running toward our suffering and not fleeing it.
Rollga Foam Rollers have been proven to increase Flexibility by 22, reduce Muscle Soreness by 6 or more, and Relieve Back & Neck pain utilizing a unique, patented design that targets muscles with greater precision & pressure for more effective muscle release & self massage
whoah this weblog is fantastic i love studying your articles. Stay up the great paintings! You realize, lots of persons are looking around for this information, you can aid them greatly.
It?¦s actually a cool and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Thank you for your provided information.
I will immediately seize your rss feed as I can’t to find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please allow me recognize so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.
Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely helpful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was looking for this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
magnificent post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing. I am sure, you have a great readers’ base already!
I am glad to be one of many visitants on this outstanding web site (:, appreciate it for posting.
I’ve learn a few excellent stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot attempt you set to make any such wonderful informative website.
great points altogether, you simply gained a new reader. What may you recommend about your post that you simply made some days ago? Any positive?
I really appreciate this post. I¦ve been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again
I couldn’t resist commenting
I think this is among the most significant info for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The web site style is ideal, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers
Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; we have created some nice methods and we are looking to exchange techniques with other folks, be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.
Keep functioning ,fantastic job!
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.
Hi , I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbled upon it on Yahoo , i will come back once again. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and help other people.
Я оцениваю тщательность и точность, с которыми автор подошел к составлению этой статьи. Он привел надежные источники и представил информацию без преувеличений. Благодаря этому, я могу доверять ей как надежному источнику знаний.
I like this website very much, Its a really nice billet to read and incur info .
I’m curious to find out what blog system you’re utilizing? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest website and I would like to find something more secure. Do you have any solutions?
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.