Suffering?

Recently I had a conversation with a psychologist and another licensed counselor about people that experience suffering.  We spoke specifically about individuals that spend years dealing with pervasive depression who have questions regarding taking medication to help.  We spoke about God healing the person directly and instantaneously versus God healing through taking medication.  Lastly the conversation turned toward the meaning and purpose of suffering.  

I have had this type of conversation with many individuals and I have spent years being around people who suffer (people who are suffering in relationships, with mental ailments, with physical ailments and some who have all three).  There are a few things I have learned about suffering and the aspects of healing.  I would not say I am an expert on the subject but I would like to share with you my observations:

1) NEVER tie God's hands!  God is God.  We are not.  God will choose how to heal.  This may come in the form of a direct touch from God and complete instantaneous healing.  This may come in the form of medication that is used to control the illness.  This may come in the form of death, and receiving the ultimate healing with getting to be with Christ.  God will choose the best path and the best method.  We cannot see everything and do not know what will be the best path and method.  Only God does and God is NEVER wrong.

2) We WILL SUFFER!  In scripture we are told many times that we will experience suffering.  This is not kept a secret.  In scripture we learn about various people who have suffered, reasons for why they did suffer, and we see how God brought purpose and meaning through this suffering.  

3) God will ALWAYS help His people through Suffering!  Remember the following the next time you see or hear about someone suffering and when you suffer:

• The Lord shields, cares for, guards and hovers over his children - Deuteronomy 32: 10 -11
• The Lord NEVER leaves those who seek Him - Psalm 9: 9 - 10
• The Lord is His peoples' REFUGE and STRENGTH - Psalm 46
• The Lord heals the brokenhearted and heals their wounds. - Psalm 147:3
• The Lord does not want us to be afraid because the Lord is with us - Isaiah 41:10
• The Lord's compassion is renewed each morning - Lamentations 3:19 - 26
• The Lord has overcome the world - John 16:33
• The Lord will comfort us and we can use this same comfort to comfort others - 2 Corinthians 1: 3 - 7
• YOU are to keep focused on eternity and not temporal circumstances - 2 Corinthians 4: 16 - 18
• YOU can do all through God which gives strength. - Philippians 4:13
• YOU are to give ALL your anxiety to God because he cares for YOU! - 1 Peter 5:7

When you are in a season of suffering remember that God brings healing, God knew this would take place before you did and God is there wanting to help you through this.  Stay focused on this!

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

                                                                                                                           Philippians 4: 8 (NIV)

Resources

If you would like to talk about the season of suffering you are in today please contact us!

communitycare@mecklenburg.org

704.598.9800 x 121