Vicar Writes: In this time of suffering
Why why?
I have sometimes asked – why are the questions on suffering important?
I think it is because suffering is about the pain that we experience because of a loss of something (and often, someone) and is essential to and defines life itself. This kind of suffering touches us at the core. When we do not find reasonable answers to our questions, our life crumbles. For a while, it may seem to hold up, but like a Jenga pile-up, all it takes is for one more piece to be removed before the whole edifice crashes to the ground.
I first found the answer at the age of 13, in the face of a rather bleak outlook on life and future. I found the Lord Jesus. Suddenly, everything else paled by comparison. I am a child of God. I am saved. Nothing else in this world matters as much anymore.
As I grow older, I realise I am accumulating new stuff: new wealth, relationships, professional significance, fresh ways of enjoying what is good in this world , a more philosophical outlook of life etc. But the demise of my beloved mum two years ago served to remind me that essentially, my life has not changed. While I may have accumulated some stuff (and some fluff), what is essential and defines life itself remains the same. The solution I found at the age of 13 remains just as relevant and a hope that saves me (Romans 8:24a). It is when I have peace in the foundation or at the core of my life, that everything else around it makes sense and moves with a sense of purpose. Indeed, “in Him we live and move and have our being”, a phrase from Acts 17:28 and refrain from a popular chorus of my earlier years in church.
I am not implying that questions from every personal episode of suffering can be easily addressed just through personal salvation. Some questions can only be answered in the future. And perhaps, some questions can only be addressed through silent divine wipes, not words. (“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev 21:4)
But these questions never stop us from moving on and finishing our journey, for the Lord has worked in the deepest parts of our lives and we have wrestled with him in these areas.
It is my prayer that every Christian has a deep and strong faith that will carry him or her through the rainy days. That when (not if!) the storms come, the tree; though blown about and threshed; will stand firm and tall.