Enduring our Present Suffering

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing 

with the glory that will be revealed in us." 

Romans 8:18

I sure wish I always felt like the above statement is true.  In my heart pain during suffering, it is hard to see past my current situation, feelings, pain, or loss to see the coming glory.

Yet, when I do get a glimpse of God's presence, I get a taste of future glory.  Such a taste not only helps me endure, but gives hope.

The problem for me is that a fresh dose of suffering and pain often obscures my vision and taste of God.

Anyway one else have this trouble?

Here is what I have learned about suffering.  In the midst of suffering, I don't even learn that much.  All I can do is endure and search after God's grace.  It takes time and reflection to learn, and in the midst of intense suffering I often lack the strength for reflection.  To claim anything else would be false.

So what does this mean for us?  In the midst of broken relationships that cause so much pain, in the midst of the death or impending death of those we love, in the midst of our bad decisions, how should we deal with suffering?

First, admit to God, yourself, and others that we are suffering.  This is only being honest, and God wants us to be honest with ourselves and others.  Understand that we live in a fallen world marked by suffering.  All of creation "groans as in the pains of child birth" and is subject to "frustration" by the effects of sin.  

We must begin by calling sin, sin.  Sin is much more than our willful actions.  It is missing the mark for the way things should be.  In yourself, in others, and in events confess what has missed the mark of perfection.  Confess what is not according to its created good.  Cry out to God about the pain of separation.   Ask Him to restore and redeem what the consequences of sin have brought about.  We were not created to suffer through separation like death, but God can relate as He and Jesus were separated on the cross as Jesus suffered to do away with sin and death.

Second, remember the gospel.  We have a taste of redemption, adoption, and freedom now in Christ.  One day, He will set all things aright, and we will know in full a restored relationship with God, others, ourselves, and creation.  If you have not believed, repent and accept His love.  Then, hope in the ultimate reality that you belong to Christ.  This life is fleeting.  Eternity is forever.  Pray for grace to "wait patiently" for our final hope.

Third, pray.  This is how the gospel gets applied to our life.  Take time to be before God and ask the Spirit to lead you to pray for what is really needed (8:26-27).  Pray for healing of your soul.  Pray for restoration of broken relationship.  Pray in confession of your sin and the sins of others.  Whatever the cause of the suffering, take time to pray about it.  We were made to live a life of faith.  Prayer is the avenue into an active faith.

So, will this make it all better?  Instantly.  No.  In a week?  Probably not.

Here are some tough questions, what if there is no magic pill that will make everything better?  What if we live in a fallen and messed up world?  What if there is some pain that will mark us for the rest of our life?

How can we deal with this disappointment, injustice, and pain?

The beauty of Jesus and the Word of God is a promise that there will be judgment, healing, and setting of all things right.  It might not happen in this world, but it will be made right in final judgment.

We worship a God that knows our pain, 

keeps our tears in a bottle, 

and loves us so much that He will send comfort now 

and give ultimate comfort later.

So, if you are going through pain and suffering now, keep on going.  Endure.  Seek God's face.  Ask for His grace.  Remember His love.  Trust that He will one day set all things right.