Power In Suffering

“My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:71‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sometimes we turn to God only because of our suffering and need for relief. Let me assure you, that’s okay. It may seem like it’s not but, it is. In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Jesus invites suffering people to come to Him for rest and relief. Why? It’s because at some point, and in some way we will experience some type of suffering. Sometimes the suffering is by virtue of our decisions and sometimes it may feel completely unfair, unprovoked, and haphazard. However, Jesus did not put a disclaimer on His statement. This was so we always know where to go with our suffering and with our pain. What do we do when we don’t know what else to do? In all situations and scenarios the answer will be turning to Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6) Sometimes it takes suffering to remind us of this fact.

If you are suffering, thank God for it. This is not meant in a sadistic way as to say pain makes us spiritual. No. Thank God that even in our suffering He is with us. Even in our pain He is close to us. He has assured us that as we go through the fire and water, He will be there. (Isaiah 43:2) He isn’t a fair weather Savior. Additionally, He’s not put off or taken back by our humanity.

Nevertheless, it is so tempting to throw in the big but of “We should always turn to God and not only when we need something or are suffering!” That’s a true and valid statement. Yet, it is also true that God willingly meets us where we’re at. It’s other humans that have trouble accepting this. Pray for the change in others and in yourself, rather than solely becoming a judge and critic.

Furthermore, remember there were two other men suffering a humiliating death on crosses next to Jesus. In one man’s suffering He turned to Jesus. The other man was a mocker. The man who turned to God in his suffering was assured by Jesus eternal rest and relief. If pain is what turns us to the cross then praise God for the power of the cross! One right decision can have positive eternal repercussions. Praise God for the power of a right decision.

Lastly recall, it was the prodigal son that wore his shame on his sleeve and his brother that highlighted his failings, not the father. The father rejoiced his son was home. (Luke 15) In the same way, God rejoices when we come home or turn to Him, even if suffering was the catalyst. Turn to God in times of suffering and don’t and let the other details deter you!