Mystery

Why suffering? It’s a mystery.

I grew up with the idea that I wouldn’t ever have to suffer because Jesus suffered for me. But in my discipleship, I have come to realise that suffering is a part of life.

There will be losses that go along with great sadness, and sadness forms part of being human. The very nature of life is that everything passes. Everything changes. Just look at a 700-year old tree — it will still be changing.

Jesus says: “Life is like a cloud.” His brother, James, says: “Look at the grass. It’s just in season, then it’s gone.” John, the beloved friend of Jesus, the one probably closest to Jesus, says: “This world is fading away.” They all point to this great truth of life and it’s something you not only have to know, but also have to accept.

The sadness, pain, and complicated space you are in, will pass. There is a new life on the horizon, a new Jerusalem.

How do you think about loss? How do you deal with it?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I ask for grace in the midst of my suffering. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.