suf.fer.ing

suf.fer.ing n
1. the divine highway to deeper and more glorious encounters with God.

If you could have anything in this universe what would it be? Think for a moment…riches, popularity, endless pleasures, comfort, what about fame, or security, beauty, or even a happy family? As a child I would often consider this question, and usually would always end up wanting money. I thought that if I had all the money in the world I would be happy. I wanted to be blessed, but have you ever stopped and asked yourself, “what is the greatest blessing to have in all times, in every place, and in every situation?” What is it that will bless our hearts in times of prosperity and delight, in times of doubt and oppressive anxiety, in times of sorrow and suffering?

As Jenni and I have begun to walk this joyful road of suffering we have experienced in new ways what we have believed…the greatest blessing in all eternity is the presence of God, and it is in times of suffering and affliction that there is more of God to be had. If I could chose to have anything, I would chose to have God. I would not choose to have money for money cannot sufficiently comfort the troubled soul. Riches cannot bring freedom from pain, or anxiety. I would not choose fame for there is no rest from the tabloids and endless responsibilities. I would not chose beauty for there is no rest from comparison to others. I would chose to have God with me, upholding me, strengthening me, comforting me, talking with me, fellowshipping with me, satisfying me…I would chose God.

Affliction and suffering are divinely designed highways that lead to deeper and more glorious encounters with the sovereign God. Paul knew this when he wrote, “this was to make us rely not on ourselves, but on God who raises the dead (2 Cor 1).” David knew this when he wrote, “earnestly I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is not water….Your steadfast love is better than life, therefore my lips will praise you (Ps 63).” “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever(Ps 73).”

What we have been in need of is not comfort derived from the removal of this challenge but comfort derived from God in the midst of this challenge. We don’t need to just “get through this” by our moral resolve and sheer will power b/c this mindset ignores God and disregards our need for Him. We don’t need to ignore this difficulty and pretend that this really isn’t’ happening, that’s just plain nonsense. What I need to know is that my wife’s most intense needs are going to be provided for. I need to know that God will work all things for our good. I need to know and feel that He will never turn away from doing us good. I need to know and feel that God will rejoice in doing us good with all His heart and soul. I need to know and feel that the steadfast love of the Lord is better than life. I need to look outside of myself to someone greater in power, love, mercy, and compassion. I need God! Our deepest need as a family is to encounter the living and eternal God and have Him impart to us His love for us and His perspective on this trial of faith!

Oh how awesome it is to be on a highway to knowing God in this way!