Category: suffering

Redemptive suffering: a personal perspective

Ruth Kirk

You have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him (Philippians 1:29; GNT).  

Introduction
In common with many other people, I have experienced physical, mental and spiritual suffering over the course of my life. I also live with chronic illness every day.

My response to suffering has changed considerably over the years. Thus, I slowly moved from very negative attitudes, such as fear, self-pity and depression, through resignation, to a more comfortable acceptance.

Then, after being diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago, I discovered and adopted the practice of giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). At the time, I didn’t realise what a key step this would be in the process of developing a more positive attitude to suffering.

More recently, just a few weeks ago, I stumbled on the idea of using my symptoms as cues which would remind me to intercede for others. This practice has already begun to give a new purpose and value to the suffering which is a daily feature of my life.

Soon afterwards, I discovered the term redemptive suffering, and realised, to my surprise and pleasure, that I am not alone on this path.

Redemptive suffering
My current, very limited, understanding of redemptive suffering is that it means:

  1. Willingly accepting and embracing uncomfortable symptoms.
  2. Giving thanks for them.
  3. Offering them as a sacrifice on behalf of others who are suffering.
  4. Praying for other people who are suffering.

It will be interesting to see how this definition changes in the light of further personal experience and insight.

Christ’s life and death are the perfect example of redemptive suffering in operation. Even as he hung on the cross, Jesus was praying for his executioners: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34; NLT). 

The privilege of suffering for Christ
St. Paul grasped that if we are to share Christ’s glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17). This led him to the astonishing realisation that we, too, can offer our suffering on behalf of others, just as Jesus did. As he states: “You have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him” (Philippians 1:29; GNT).

With self-awareness, willing acceptance and frequent practice, every adverse symptom, sensation, emotion and experience can become a sacrificial offering to God. Our suffering then functions as a series of cues, or reminders, to intercede for others.

Our prayers can be for people we know personally, those we hear or read about, and for everyone experiencing physical and mental illness, pain, privation, danger and death all around the world.

Conclusion
I believe that we can grow more like Christ, and become more deeply united with him, by welcoming the suffering God sends, and using it for the good of others. Redemptive suffering is, indeed, a privilege. Furthermore, my experience is that it can bring a sense of purpose, joy and fulfilment even though my life is very limited by suffering.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them (1 Timothy 2:1; NLT).

References

Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV). 

Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies (Hebrews 13:3; NLT).

Since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too (1 Peter 4:1; NLT).

Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you (Isaiah 30:20; NLT).

The Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:18; NLT). 

Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him (Philippians 3:8-9; NLT). 

I find you

Ruth Kirk

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death (Philippians 3:10; NLT). 

Lord,
I find you in my sickness,
Grief, depression, fear and pain.
Suffering with you is freedom:
Every loss becomes a gain.

Lord,
I meet you in acceptance,
Knowing that you always care.
Suffering with you: my mission:
Every sigh becomes a prayer.

Lord,
I long to serve your kingdom.
May each hardship be a cue
To intercede for all who suffer,
As I strive to follow you.

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23; NLT).

References 

Verse 1:
Keep on seeking, and you will find (Matthew 7:7; NLT).
The Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17; NLT).
You live under the freedom of God’s grace (Romans 6:14; NLT).
The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD (Job 1:21; CSB).
To live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21; ANT).
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28; NIV).

Verse 2:
Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad? (Job 2:10; NLT).
I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles,
and you care about the anguish of my soul (Psalm 31:7; NLT).
This has been given to you on behalf of Christ, not only so that you may believe in him, but even so that you may suffer with him (Philippians 1:29; CPDV).
Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world (John 16:33; NLT).

Verse 3:
We must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22; NLT).
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them (1 Timothy 2:1; NLT).
Just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him (Colossians 2:6; NLT).

My offering

Ruth Kirk

When Christ came into the world, he said to God, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer” (Hebrews 10:5; NLT). 

Offer your sacrifice to God (Matthew 5:24; NLT).

I offer you my sickness, Lord,
Of body, heart and mind.

Accept this willing sacrifice, Lord God,
For humankind.

I pray for those who suffer, Lord,
With all my strength and soul

As Jesus did, and ask you
To have mercy: make them whole.

He wounds, but His hands make whole (Job 5:18; NKJV). 

References 

I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ (Colossians 1:24; NLT).

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21; NIV).

Since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too (1 Peter 4:1; NLT).

You have had the privilege granted you on behalf of Christ – not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on His behalf (Philippians 1:29; WNT).

If we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17; NLT). 

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it (Luke 9:24; NLT). 

Use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God (Romans 6:13; NLT). 

May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do (2 Thessalonians 1:11; NLT).

Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2; RSV).

Bad dreams

Ruth Kirk

While I was lying in my bed, this is what I dreamed (Daniel 4:10; NLT). 

Lord God,
I dream of failure every night;
Of suffering, depression,
Shame, and dread.

Before, I might have
Begged you, Lord,
To take these dreams away,
But now,
I choose to welcome them,
Instead.

So, I will face these dreams,
And when I wake,
I’ll pray for all those
Living with defeat:

Draw near, Lord God,
Please cleanse and soothe 
Our wounds with oil and wine.
May all who fail
Be healed,
And made complete.

Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him (Luke 10:34; NLT). 

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God (Ephesians 3:19; NLT). 

References 

All things come from God (1 Corinthians 11:12; CSB). 

Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad? (Job 2:10; NLT). 

Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. (Hebrews 4:16; AMP).

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds (Psalm 147:3; NLT). 

Migraine: with thanks to K.B.

Ruth Kirk

Today I was hoping to go to Mass, which I don’t manage very often, but instead I have a migraine…

So I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations (2 Corinthians 12:7; TM).  

Migraine is my Mass today,
And codeine is my bread.
All my hopes and plans are gone:
A quiet day, instead.

Migraine is my liturgy,
And water is my wine;
So, Lord, I accept this cross
As a part of your design.

Migraine is my service,
And I know it’s not in vain,
Because I can embrace this chance
To plead for those in pain.

Migraine is my crown of thorns;
It gives me time to pray.
Thank you, Lord, that I can share
Your suffering today. 

Since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17; NLT).

References 

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23; NLT). 

May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10; NLT).

My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done (Matthew 26:42; NLT). 

The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head (John 19:2; NLT). 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NIV).

I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church (Colossians 1:24; NLT).

Redemptive suffering: #2

Ruth Kirk

This is part two of a short series on redemptive suffering, which began yesterday. If you missed the first, introductory blog, and would like to read it, here is a link: https://wp.me/p45bCr-gsV.

Unusually, today’s prayer includes a space for the names of people you would like to pray for individually, whilst also interceding for all those suffering around the world.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NIV). 

Lord,

Thank you for this suffering.
I willingly accept it
From your hands.

I offer it as a sacrifice
For the forgiveness, healing
And redemption of [names],

And of all
Who need your help
Around the world.

I ask this
In your own dear name,
Amen.

Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in His footsteps (1 Peter 2:21; AMP).

References

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God (Ephesians 5:2; NLT).

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them (1 Timothy 2:1; NLT).

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion (Psalm 103:2-4; NLT).

Arriving in heaven

Ruth Kirk

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (Revelation 21:3; NIV). 

Jesus,

In your loving arms
All suffering is healed,
In mind and body, heart and soul:
Here, nothing is concealed.

Your mercy and forgiveness flow:
You know how hard we’ve tried.
You’ve watched our sins and failures, Lord;
You’ve seen our foolish pride.

You’ve shared in all our sorrows,
And rejoiced in each success –
But now, your only mission
Is to comfort, heal, and bless.

He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! (Psalm 103:3-5; NLT). 

Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31; NLT).

Suffering

Ruth Kirk
Eve looks back at the Garden of Eden.

Whatever happens to you, accept it (Sirach 2:4; NJB).

There is a big difference between accepting our suffering willingly, and resenting it angrily.

The first approach to suffering represents a genuine, personal sacrifice which brings us into loving solidarity with Jesus, and with all who suffer throughout the world. It creates empathy, joy, thankfulness and praise, no matter what we are enduring.

The second attitude to suffering tends to make us self-centred, self-pitying, depressed and bitter. This response damages the special opportunity suffering offers us to live in unity with Jesus, and with all our fellow human beings.

Personally, I choose to welcome and embrace all my suffering, however limiting, painful or uncomfortable it may be, because, as St. Paul wrote:

Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies (2 Corinthians 4:10; NLT).

With this trusting attitude, suffering becomes a gift, out of which God can bring much good. Suffering brings us into contact with others, both in person, and through our prayers. It helps us to empathise with others, and to reach out to them with Christian love, concern and care.

Love cares more for others than for self (1 Corinthians 13:3-7; TM).

References 

Since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17; NLT).  

Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are (1 Peter 5:9; NLT). 

Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done” (Matthew 26:42; NLT). 

I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the LORD, am the one who does these things (Isaiah 45:7; NLT).

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:21; CSB). 

Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble? (Job 2:10; NIV).

Everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen (Romans 11:36; NLT). 

The LORD gives both death and life (I Samuel 2:6; NLT).

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16; NIV).

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28; NIV).

Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31; NLT).

A reading from 2 Corinthians 1:3-5; AMP.

Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts and encourages us in every trouble so that we will be able to comfort and encourage those who are in any kind of trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 

For just as Christ’s sufferings are ours in abundance [as they overflow to His followers], so also our comfort [our reassurance, our encouragement, our consolation] is abundant through Christ [it is truly more than enough to endure what we must]. 

Shared suffering

Ruth Kirk

Since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17; NLT). 

Lord,
We suffer along with you;
You suffer along with us.
Help us to carry our cross with love,
Although we are only dust.

Lord,
We suffer within your heart;
You suffer within our soul.
Help us to walk in your narrow way,
For you are our only goal.

In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years (Isaiah 63:9; NLT). 

My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death (Philippians 3:10; CSB).

What do I know?

Ruth Kirk
Counselling: Pixabay.

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world (John 16:33; NLT). 

What do I know
About life,
Except suffering?

What do I know
About childhood,
But tears?

What do I know
About love,
Except punishment?

What do I know
About trust,
But my fears?

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? (Psalm 56:11; NLT).

References 

This is what the high and exalted One says –  he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isaiah 57:15; NIV). 

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! (Isaiah 49:15; NIV).