Seeing Suffering by Candlelight

Throughout my journey this past 18 months, I've often confessed in private and public that I haven't been able to discern the source of my sudden turnabout of health. Some, whom I respect deeply, are convinced that this is an attack from Satan. Others point directly to the physical world of contractible diseases, excessive running (my ultra-marathon hobby) and the simple fact that we live on a fallen planet. It has been suggested that my own sin brought this about. And, while it completely goes against the theology of some of my brothers and sisters in Christ, there is also the possibility that God brought this about in my life.

In my time of quiet reflection this morning, I read Moses' review of the hardships his people had endured. The book of Deuteronomy is a recap of the history and law for the generation of Israelites who were not yet born or were too young to participate at the time of the nation's refusal to enter the Promised Land the first time around. Forty years later, Moses gives the new generation a thorough review. In doing so, he provides an interesting commentary on what had taken place during those decades of wandering.

Remember the long way the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, in order to humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commandments. He humbled you by letting you hunger, then by feeding you manna… Deut. 8.

Whatever the source of our suffering, I believe that this chapter sheds light on the purpose of suffering in our lives. It begins to describe the good role hardship can play. Suffering has the potential of being a powerful tool in our spiritual formation if we will allow it.

Moses illuminates that hardship does the following:

Suffering Humbles (Deut. 8:2)
Anyone who has ever had to use a cane, haul around a walker or succumb to a wheelchair knows the humbling nature of needing these aids. Anyone who has had a family member who can no longer function in society due to psychological reasons knows the humbling nature of these trials. Anyone who has had to receive unemployment knows the humbling power of hardship.

I am not saying that the hardship itself is good. However, the Bible does teach us that humility is good. And, much to our dismay, hardship is a paved path to humility.

Suffering Reveals (Deut. 8:2)
Moses instructs the people that God allowed them to undergo the hardships they endured to test them…to reveal what was in their hearts and to see whether or not they would keep his commandments when things weren't easy.

Like it or not, suffering not only shapes us into who we are becoming, but reveals who we truly are. Many a professing Christ-follower has bailed on Him when things became difficult. When the prayer wasn't answered the way they wanted it to be answered, they blamed God and walked away. Meanwhile, others with equally as difficult of circumstances, threw themselves in utter dependence upon the only One who could save them…whether He remained silent or not. Suffering reveals what we--and our faith--are made of.

Suffering Teaches (Deut. 8:3)
Moses explains to the people that the daily meal of manna for the last four decades was also an object lesson. It is here that Moses gives the famous words, in order to make you understand that one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. There was a lesson leavened into their daily bread.

Every trial is a trail to a truth God wants to teach us. Some lessons in life cannot be learned in any other manner. It's a trail none of us want to travel--a school none of us want to attend--but the lessons are rich and life changing.

Suffering Disciplines (Deut. 8:5)
Moses summarizes by telling the people, Know then in your heart that as a parent disciplines a child so the Lord your God disciplines you. The author of Hebrews expands on this thought by instructing us to endure hardship as discipline (Heb. 12).

It is unlikely that in this lifetime we will know with certainty the source of all our suffering. However, we can also know that it is ideal training ground for righteousness. Our Heavenly Father, the loving parent, sees who we can become. Like any child, we need carefully applied discipline to help us become all He intends for us to be. Without discipline, no child fully matures. Trust the Father, the perfect parent, to lead us on a wise path to maturity.

By no means is this a complete list of the reasons for and uses of suffering. Much more could be said. However, I believe Moses' list is as strong a starting point as any I've found.

A Final Word of Caution
Please do not forward this blog to someone who is new in a crisis. I was not ready to receive this a year ago. Suffering can't be fast forwarded. Early in suffering people may think they want answers and explanations, but what they really need is comfort and support. They need a season to grieve. They need to be given permission to ask hard questions without receiving attempted answers.

Please remember the context for these thoughts: Moses was explaining these truths to people 40 years into a hard journey. They were not new acquaintances with suffering. They were veterans. Too often, in our efforts to help hurting people, we attempt to bring a premature closure to their suffering. This is a mistake. It can be very hurtful.

I've said it before: grief is not a speed sport. Grief must be allowed to wander around the mysterious shafts and canyons of our heart. It's trek is usually best taken in the dark. But in time, the human heart is ready for light to shine again. Insights such as those provided by Moses begin to light a few candles, piercing the darkness and announcing that a new era of healing is coming.

So, do feel free to share these thoughts with others--not like an unthinking night nurse throwing on all the light switches at once--but as a friend quietly lighting one candle at a time.