Rejoicing in Suffering revisited

I ran across this blog post from The Gospel Coalition, Don't you dare be caught rejoicing with those who weep.  It spoke volumes to where I am today.

A dear friend is going through her own hell.  I want so badly to comfort her.  To encourage her.  To be there for her.  But I cannot.  Due to circumstances beyond both of our control.

I cannot fully participate in her grief and I certainly cannot ask her to share in my joy.

And while it is true, all that Jesus promised, when we are in the throws of grief, it does no good whatsoever to spout scripture telling our loved ones to "have faith" or "rejoice in the pain" or "God is working for the good of those who love Him."

How can we rejoice at the unexpected death of a loved one?  How can we rejoice when a marriage ends?  How can we rejoice when the diagnosis is bad?  How?


What can we do?  I mean really, what can we do?  I sit helpless as my friend suffers.  I want so badly to take away her pain.  To comfort her.  To pick her back up and tell her it will all be ok.  And someday it will. But not today and not anytime soon.  So what do we do in the meantime?

While I have been through my own hell, I keep wondering, what got me through it?  What was really of any help?  Time?  Those closest to me who carried me when I could barely get out of bed? My therapist?  The anti-depressants?  Jesus?  What was it?  Any one thing?  All of these things?

I don't have any answers.  I just know that God will someday, and maybe not here on earth, redeem our pain.  And He is our only hope in the meantime.  Everything just falls away.

Rejoicing in Suffering

One of the hardest questions people ask when faced with life's tragedy's is "Why?"

And what is so hard is that there usually isn't an answer to this question.

But God's word does make a few promises related to life's tragedies, mainly concerning glory. God's glory.

And in the midst of the pain and suffering it's so hard to accept yet it can be a lifeline.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12-19 ESV)

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 ESV)

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18 ESV)

But There is Hope

It seems that this world becomes darker and darker.  In the past few months I have watched friends and family go through horrible tragedy.  Not to mention the horrific crimes you hear about on the news.  This world is filled with darkness.  But there is hope.

"Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God." (Psalms 42:11 NASB)

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NASB)