Hello friends. Today’s post is about suffering. I live with chronic illness, as will some of you. It can be hard, but it doesn’t need to make us bitter, or ruin our lives. In fact, we can become more mature by learning to live with it, accepting it, and managing it skilfully. The way to make it meaningful, even precious and valuable, is to use it to help others.
Suffering
His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him” (John 9:2-3).
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
Father,
Without you,
Suffering is meaningless,
Because it has no purpose.
We face it
With stoicism or self-pity,
Anger, bitterness or bravery,
According to our nature.
But with you,
Suffering builds perseverance,
Character and hope.
It helps us to offer love and understanding
To those who suffer alongside us.
It teaches us to care for them,
Listen to them,
Support them,
And pray for them.
Thank you for showing me
That this is the meaning and purpose
Of suffering.
In Jesus’ holy name,
Amen.