“In this world you will have trouble…”
Each of us will face some measure of suffering and grief in our life. I’m sure most of you are navigating some grief of your own in this very moment. Even while suffering was promised and certain we often find ourselves feeling blindsided, maybe even cheated, in the midst of these circumstances. Whether facing loss, health problems, family discord or any other multitude of painful circumstances there is a human tendency to look for purpose or answers when it all seems unclear. We might ask God, “Why this? Why me?” When the weight of depression and scars from my past felt unbearable I questioned, “Why is this my story?” When I miscarried my 3rd pregnancy, weeks into my second trimester, the questions came again. More often than not my trials found me grasping for some answers or reassurance. Recently, I blew a disc in my back (for the 4th time in 3 years) while home with my children. As I was laying on the floor waves of pain crashed over me, there was anger towards my broken body and despair for the uncertainties. I wanted to know “Why is this happening again, God?” Despite all of the physical therapy and fitness I found myself on the floor unable to move without assistance. I cried, fears of the unknown were overwhelming but louder and more persistent was the “Why?” In fact that was all I could say for a good while- (trusting the Spirit was praying more adequately on my behalf)
“Why?”
Sometimes, though not always, we receive some hints or answers that offer some sufficient measure of comfort. “It’s an anterior tear between L4 & L5”
“Ah, yes..” a nod. Answers usually mean solutions. “There is some possibility of permanent nerve damage resulting in pain.”
Answers give us reasons.
“It’s a genetic condition. There’s no cure but there are treatments.”
Answers hold some promise of hope.
Uncertainties, waiting, and “what if’s” are the itch we have to scratch. No one can simply sit with these any easier than one can sit with the building burning, tingling sensation that precedes a sneeze. Either sneeze or don’t, but for Pete’s sake end this miserable suspense! (Bless You)
Our minds crave some measure of resolution before we let the matter rest, in fact we’d often prefer a disappointing resolution of events than nothing at all.
“Ah well, that means it wasn’t meant to be..” and we move on.
Answers offer some clarity even if by process of elimination.
Let me be honest and say, searching for the why has never provided a source of peace in the face of suffering. The ‘why’, much as I seem to crave it, never brings the peace I long for.
I’d like to paint a noble picture of how that consuming desire for resolution is an echo of our Soul’s longing for the resolution that will return us to the King’s courts..(in fact I’ll leave it here as I’m sure it has a place.)
However, asking “why” in the face of pain isn’t typically coming from a noble place in my heart. More than I’d like to admit the question seeps from an idol factory, and is posed much in the same manner of a toddler asking why mommy won’t put the candy bar with the groceries. It seems so …. unloving.
it’s as if our hearts were to say: “At least console me with a reason, then. Tell me there must be something better. Reassure me of your love.”
I‘m not saying it’s wrong or sinful to ask why, and I’m certainly not proposing that every loss is as inconsequential as a candy bar or denied frivolity. Rather, I’m proposing that the question of “why” is simply the wrong place to start. It seems much like asking “why” when tossed a life preserver and told to grab on. (Let’s grab hold of the life preserver first and maybe we can ask about the physics of styrofoam rings once we’re in the boat again.)
The dynamics of our circumstances and our sufferings change profoundly when we start with the “who” of the matter. Imagine if that same child at the grocery store, rather than perceiving from their own desire, had a firm knowledge and trust in who their parent is. Although, they may not understand “why”, they find great assurance in knowing that their parent is not malicious or fickle and always desires their ultimate good.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace…”
When we are met with trouble and trials, we’d fare far better to recall “Who”. Who is God? What is his character?
We look at who he is, what he has done, and see his goodness, faithfulness and sovereignty.
Rather than looking at our circumstances and asking “why”, we look to our God and reflect on “who”. Suddenly, the “why” pales in comparison, it doesn’t hold a candle. The “why” ceases to assail our weary hearts with uncertainty when we recall the Certain Truth.
Does it matter why the life preserver floats and I must take hold of it? Not when I understand that it will save my life.
Does it matter why my circumstances are this way? Not as much when I understand the character of the one who has permitted them and my heart safely trusts in Him.
Even still, our God is gracious and tender towards us, and offers some why:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4 NIV
When we face the trials and brokenness of this life, rather than asking why, may we encourage our hearts to behold the Who; our sovereign and gracious God.
“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
What are “these things” that Jesus tell his disciples? Jesus is wrapping up the beauty of an entire chapter in this verse. When we read John 16 in its entirety we some some beautiful gifts of the peace we are given in our Messiah.
When we repent of our sins and confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are wrapped up in his righteousness. He sends us the “Spirit of Truth” to guide us in truth, convict us and testify to the finished work of the gospel in Jesus. As we abide in Christ we have also been given the precious gift of direct communication with God the Father through prayer. Through all trials and sufferings we are encouraged to cast all of our cares on the God who cares tenderly for us. At the end of the day, more accurately the beginning of forever, the sorrows and strife of this life will be made null and void as we dwell in complete redemption and fullness of God’s glory.
The “Who” offers us rescue from the “why” and paves the way to true peace; that full and final resolution of abiding in reconciliation through Christ.
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” - Romans 12:12 ESV
In Christ,
Abbey
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