“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)
Christian song artist Mercy Me has written what is, in my opinion, one of the most relevant songs of our day and age. Within the song it says: “God when you choose to leave mountains unmovable, give me the strength to say it is well with my soul. I know You’re able and I know You can, save through the fire with Your mighty hand. But even if You don’t, my hope is You alone. I know the sorrow and I know the hurt would all go away if You just say the word, but even if You don’t, my hope is You alone.”
Even though God promises in His Word to work all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), He does not promise us that everything we experience in this life will be good. In fact, He promises just the opposite. He warns His disciples of the trouble they will face in this world (John 16:33). And if we’re honest, sometimes the circumstances of our lives are just plain awful: the diagnosis of a chronic or terminal illness of a loved one, the death of a child or spouse, the catastrophic event that leaves us reeling and having to start from square one… the list can go on and on. It can be so difficult knowing God is more than able to heal, fix and deliver, but for reasons unknown to us sometimes He chooses not to. When that happens, when we are standing in the “furnaces” of life, like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, will we be able to say: We know God is able to save us, but even if He does not, we will continue to place our hope in Him and worship Him alone. (Daniel 3:16-18. Paraphrase mine)? I pray for you that during those times, you will feel His strength to be able to say just that.
Be blessed,
Noree
Photo Credit: http://www.freeimages.com/photo/easter-fire-3-1374889
Thank you for speaking to the issue of Christian suffering in this life. Too often the Christian airwaves are bombarded with the lie of “prosperity gospel.” When, in John 16, Christ tells us that He has overcome the world, it’s good to remember that we too are part of that world. Luther, in his much misunderstood comment “if you sin, sin boldly” speaks to that issue. God, in His omniscience, omnipotence, and eternal perspective, is able to use even our weaknesses and failings to advance His kingdom. Yet we are called to sanctification, to lead as Christ-like a life as we are able. (These are thoughts that have coalesced since last year, when I dies briefly and was resuscitated.)
Perhaps, the despair we feel in times of trial is one of His tools. However, as you suggest, the small voice that reminds us that we will live victoriously with Christ in the next life, gets drown out by the clamor of our immediate pain. It is a struggle that befuddles the human heart.
God’s blessings to you and your new daughter.