The divine purpose of suffering
Adobe
I've been trying to counsel a troubled man who is considering ending his life. This middle-aged individual has been experiencing serious physical issues and has self-diagnosed himself with ALS—a cruel, debilitating disease. He has already told his family that if testing confirms the diagnosis, he intends to take his life to spare both himself and his loved ones the inevitable suffering.
I pray that he does not have ALS. But even more, I pray that he would not follow through with this tragic plan. I can understand his despair. I can empathize with his longing to escape. But I also know there is a better way.
One of the most comforting truths in Scripture is that there is divine purpose even in our pain. God is not the cause of suffering. Suffering exists because of sin and the brokenness of this world. But God does not waste a tear. He notices when a sparrow falls. How much more does He care for His children when we suffer!
Suffering, though difficult, has a refining purpose. It deepens us and motivates us to holiness. Suffering draws us closer to Christ and helps us understand the depth of His sacrifice. It equips us to comfort others who face similar affliction. And often, how we endure suffering becomes a powerful way to make Christ known to those around us.
C.S. Lewis once wrote that "pain is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world." In other words, while God may whisper through pleasure and speak through our conscience, pain shouts at us—and through us. People notice how we respond to adversity. Suffering, rightly endured, can validate our trust in Christ and inspire others.
This past week, I had the privilege of participating in the funeral of Phil Miller, a beloved member of our church who battled Inclusion Body Myositis for twenty years. Like ALS, this disease progressively weakens the muscles, robbing the body of strength and function.
Phil researched the disease early on, so he knew of the intense suffering that lay ahead of him. Yet he purposely chose to live according to Scripture's instruction: "Rejoice always, … [and] give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). And that choice made him a hero of the faith to many as he battled the disease with remarkable courage, determination, and a joyful spirit.
God used Phil's life—and his suffering—as a megaphone for eternal hope. The Bible promises, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12).
At the funeral, Phil's granddaughter Sydney read these moving words about her "Pops":
"There are so many instances that I can use to illustrate his character when he was more physically able, but I think the most telling is how he continued to show up as he lost the ability in later years of his life. He took that wheelchair anywhere and everywhere it could go. He was at soccer games and swim meets, and track meets, and musicals, and recitals, and I never once heard him complain about anything. Ever."
"Pop's attitude was so good that I think it actually desensitized me to his condition. I didn't fully understand how difficult his disease made his life until maybe just two or three years ago. I'm sure that was intentional on his part. He wanted to spare his grandkids as much pain and discomfort as possible, but as his disease progressed, it became harder to hide. It's difficult to watch a person you grow up idolizing struggle."
"But the more Pop's body weakened, the clearer his mental and spiritual toughness became to me. He woke up every single day and did everything in his power to get out of bed, get dressed, and live his life to the greatest extent of his abilities. I don't know if there's a bigger lesson for any of us than that. He was far too humble to ever verbally acknowledge it, but he lived life loudly. He showed me every single day through his presence what it means to be truly consistent, loyal, faithful, committed, and really tough. That's my Pop."
Jesus warned us plainly: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
None of us is exempt. We will all face trials and hardships. While suffering isn't easy to endure, it's not without purpose.
Our assignment when we hurt is to stay focused on Christ and trust that, even in suffering, He is shaping us to be more like Him. And as we endure, others may see His strength in us and be drawn to Him. "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).
 | Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More » |
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