A big happy birthday to my wife, Kim, today!
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. — Revelation 2:10
I admit to you that I have a problem with suffering. It is much on my mind that my brothers and sisters suffer pain beyond description and beyond belief. I hate pain, and I hurt for them. It bugs me that so little is said about the suffering of God’s children. Perhaps others are thinking about it just as I am, but, like me, don’t exactly have the words to talk about the struggle they feel inside.
I can’t quite get my mind and my heart around the evil that exists that brings so much pain. When I try, it seems inside that this evil eclipses the light of God’s goodness.
Suffering is one of those areas where we can’t go it alone. Apart from Christ, suffering will destroy us.
But here in this passage, the Lord speaks. He speaks with authority I do not have. He speaks as One who has suffered. He speaks as the One who walks with each child of God who suffers. He speaks as the One who has seen the other side, who shares His home with those whose suffering has ended. He speaks as One who sees what we cannot see.
The One who has triumphed over suffering is extending peace to His people. How does that work? In prison, in beatings, in the cancer ward, I don’t know. I haven’t been there. In other places of pain and sorrow and humiliation, I do know, because I have been there. Every time it’s the same. When you reach the place you don’t want to go, Jesus is there. Did the pain go away? Not always, but somehow it just doesn’t feel the same. One greater than pain is here.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. Dwight and his wife Kim provide prayer ministry for inner healing / transformation and coaching in prayer ministry. He is available to speak to your group or church. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.