Unexplained Suffering
By Shauna Leis
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
There are many times in our lives that we experience some type of suffering that we just do not understand why we are going through it at the time. And sometimes we see the suffering of others around us that we would love to be able to somehow take away in the midst of the circumstance. Several years ago, we started to notice that my father’s right arm had developed a tremor. He sought the advice of his doctor who called it an “essential tremor,” basically a muscle twitching that could not be controlled. While watching the playback of my wedding ceremony, it was very evident that this tremor was beyond an uncontrollable muscle twitching. Those of us near him noticed that this tremor was continuing to progress, even into his gait on his right leg and his balance.
So, our family finally convinced Dad to head to a neurologist for a full evaluation. We were not prepared for the news that Dad did indeed have Parkinson’s Disease. We of course had our thoughts and ideas that this was a possibility, but never did we really believe that it would come back as so. It was a time of tears, fears, wonder, and more as we all dealt as a family with this potentially debilitating disease. Thankfully, Dad has received excellent care, and the medication has kept his tremors mostly at bay. However, the doctors indicate the medication only lasts for about 5-8 years in most cases. So, we faithfully trust in God that He will continue to be in control of the disease.
There are so many times that we really want to ask God, “What are You thinking?” or “What purpose does this serve?” through the whole situation. When I start to ponder these questions, though, I am continually brought back to the verses in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Our family trusts in God that He has a plan and a purpose for my Dad having Parkinson’s Disease. We are all experiencing “light and momentary troubles” because of this situation, but we all know that God is much bigger than Parkinson’s Disease. The disease is temporary, but Dad’s faith is eternal.
As the verses in the beginning indicate, even though we are going through hard times, God can be our comfort, no matter how bad the storm around you is raging. Two of my dearest friends are battling, what is likely to be, terminal cancer. However, both of them have the best attitudes regarding their circumstances. Are they joyous because they have cancer and might leave this earth – with their friends and families left behind? Of course not. They are joyous and full of peace because they love God with all their hearts and trust that He has a greater plan at work than they can see in the midst of their illnesses.
In Matthew 5, Jesus is speaking to the people from the mountain side and says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” The Greek word for comforted is parakaleō, which means “to call to one’s side, call for, summon.” When we are in need of comfort, Jesus hears our call and comes to our side. He holds our hand and carries us through the difficult times. He is willing to be summoned by you to carry you through your distress. Now, surely, knowing that the God of the Universe, the Creator of all that is made, is willing to be summoned by you in your time of distress should give you some level of comfort.
So, what sufferings are you going through right now? Are illnesses plaguing you or your family? Are the economic conditions causing fear and concern in your family? Maybe you or someone you know is battling depression for some unknown reason? No matter how big or how small the suffering, Jesus is here for you right now. He stands listening for each beck and call that you could issue. Will you trust Him today to be your comforter through it?
Pray with me: DearGod, there are so many times that we just do not understand why we are suffering right now. We can only see the small circumstance that surrounds us at the time. But You, oh God, see the greater picture and understand the ultimate glory. We trust You that You will be our great comforter in all our sufferings. You will bring us joy and peace that is unexplainable to those around us, except that You are in control.
One day we will join You in heaven where there will be no more suffering, no more tears, no more sorrow, and no more pain. In heaven we will simply bask in You. Lord, until that time, come to us when we call Your name. Fill us up with Your Holy Spirit to be our comforter. God, we love You so very much and pray all of this in the precious name of Your Son, Jesus Christ! Amen!