Redeeming Suffering

Monday, July 18, 2016
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Unto The Hills Around Do I Lift Up"1 (Lyrics)

Psalm 119:71 – My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. (NLT)

He was a godly man, but suffering caused him to question God's purposes. Ted was driving down the road one day, doing what he did best: visiting members of his church. Though he didn't feel quite right that morning, he decided to work nevertheless. As he prepared to turn into the church's driveway, things went black. The next thing that he remembered was sitting in a ditch. While waiting on a wrecker, he suffered a seizure which broke one of his shoulders and dislocated the other. With slings on both arms, he was incapable of doing anything for himself. As he prepared for bed a few nights later, he suffered a stroke, which took 95 percent of his vision in one eye and left one side of his body numb. As we visited with him and his family, his repeated questions were, "Why did God allow this to happen? Did I do something wrong? Is He punishing me?"

Ted had to learn to accept the same spiritual advice that he'd been giving church members who faced unexplained suffering. The psalmist found good in suffering even though the nature of it was bad. An important lesson emerged. Suffering taught him to pay closer attention to the principles of God's Word.

My times of suffering have brought me, as well, to God's Word more often for comfort and assurance. I've had my share of suffering — physical and otherwise. I didn't enjoy any of it, but I did discover that, when I responded correctly and viewed it with the right perspective, there were benefits from the experience. Suffering focuses my attention more keenly on God, Who controls the type of suffering as well as the length of it. Suffering drives me deeper into spiritual exercises such as prayer, searching the Word for promises and comfort, and paying closer attention to the pain that others are facing. Suffering also forces me to accept the same assurances that I've given to others when they've suffered and asked me "Why?"

Rather than turning away from God and becoming bitter, let episodes of suffering lead us into a more fulfilling relationship with Him.

Prayer: Father, while we don't enjoy suffering, we believe that You have a reason for allowing it. Help us learn the lessons that You desire to teach. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Martin, thank you for helping us put our focus where it belongs, on Christ who endured enormous suffering for us. Blessings.


    Thank you Martin for yet another pertinent devotional it is always so enlightening to hear your words. Once again thank you and my love go yours.


    Martin, your devotional came at just the right time for me! I’m recovering from surgery. I keep thinking everything happens for a reason and what is God trying to teach me through this experience.
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
    Blessings.


    Dear Martin:
    I hope and pray that all who read your words today, will truly take them to heart and pass them along to many others. I look at my suffering and I know it was bad but nothing compared to what Jesus suffered….and that really helped me.
    God bless you always my brother in Christ.


    Dear Martin,
    Your message is greatly helpful to me and comforting. As I’m awaiting improvement in my blood pressure which has been very high after a period of extreme anxiety. I have the danger of stroke or heart attack. I’ve been much in prayer and committed myself to the Lord’s care. I’ve spent a lot of time in my Bible and the atmosphere in my home has become peaceful. He’s taken good care of me for 85 years and I praise Him for this.
    God bless you for writing today’s meditation and prayer.
    (B.C., Canada)


    I am in this space, it seems often because of my own carelessness.
    I found a new resource that covers the “turning away” and helps us instead to be disciplined in moving towards God. It’s called “The Prayer of Examen” and there was a handy little booklet, explaining the practice online. As a pastor, you may find it a good resource for the grieving and suffering that you counsel! In Jesus’ love,
    (BC Canada)

 



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