Originally published Wednesday, 18 September 2013.
You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does. 1 Peter 5:9-11 (MSG)
“My son is being admitted on Friday, they still don’t know what is wrong.”
“My friend with Leukemia....”
“I had a miscarriage on the weekend.”
“My wife crashed her car.”
“My boyfriend is suing for custody.”
This past week I’ve had all of these conversations.
Tough words have been forced out of mouths. I’ve watched as tears are held back out of bravery or pride or the fear that once they fall they might never stop.
I’ve felt helpless and hopeless and tired.
I’ve spoken inadequate words to fill voids of silence.
I’ve felt angry that there is so little that can be said or done. I’ve wondered at how there can be so much pain and suffering packed in among the thirty or so people I interact with on a weekly basis.
I was thinking about this when I read 1 Peter 5 this morning.
You are not the only ones plunged into these hard times.
It’s the same with Christians all over the world.
So keep a firm grip on the faith.
The suffering won’t last forever. (tweet this)
It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good.
God gets the last word; yes, he does.
These words written thousands of years ago reminded me that everyone struggles with hard things, with pain, with loss but mystory doesn’t end there.
My generous God gets the last word.
I still feel helpless and tired, but not hopeless: the suffering won’t last forever.
Ponder: What is happening in your life right now that is making you feel hopeless? Do you believe that a day is coming when God will end your suffering?
Pray: God, life is hard. I’m struggling to keep a firm grip on my faith. So hang on to me when I’m letting go. Amen. (tweet this)
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