Spare Change

Morley on Suffering

Posted by Bryan

From my Inbox:

10 Reasons Why God Allows Suffering


• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - So that we can comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received.
• 2 Corinthians 1:6 - So that we may learn patience and endurance.
• 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 - So that we will not rely on ourselves but on God.
• 2 Corinthians 1:11; 1 Peter 1:6-7 - So that God may receive praise and thanks.
• Luke 22:31-32 - So that we can strengthen our brothers.
• John 9:1-3 - So that the works of God may be displayed.
• Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - So that evil may be punished.
• Romans 5:3-5 - So that our character may be developed.
• Romans 8:20-21- So that we may be delivered from bondage to decay and become children of God.
• Psalm 119:67, 71, 75; Hebrews 5:8 - So that we can learn obedience.

I once heard a term from Ike Reighard that he labeled "situational grace." There are times when I hear a story of someone's tragedies or travails and I think, "I could never handle that," or "there's no way I could go through that." The good news is, I haven't had to. However, I have had my own setbacks and travails, and amidst each and every one of those bad times, God's grace has been present, sufficient, and even abundant. In the unexpected death of my Uncle, God was there. In the fire that destroyed our home and took all our possessions, God was there. In the various medical situations of our children, God was there.

I'm able to look back and see God. In fact, I'm even reluctant to say that we "suffered" through any of those things, because I'm so aware of God's hand of provision. Yet, at the time, the hurts, the worries, the loss were all real.

I tell you this, too. It is only by faith that I say I welcome suffering if it brings glory to God. Because in my flesh, I don't. I confess that death doesn't scare me near as much as suffering does. I fear maintaining my witness amidst suffering. I have no confidence in my own ability to accomplish this. If God ordains me to suffer, then I trust in His ability to glorify Himself through it. There's been more than one time in my life where I've admitted to Kelli, "If X happens, I don't know how I'd respond (X being some horrible, random suffering-related incident)." And she always responds, "You'll respond by faith, with God's provision." I believe her, but it still makes me quiver like a bowl of Cosby's Nilla Nana Red White & Blue Puddin' Surprise on a July 4 Potluck.

I suffer weak faith in this.....And God is there, providing.

What have you learned through suffering?

June 26, 2005 10:55 AM