Nov
07
2009
Beauty in Pain
As a father of a multiply-disabled child, I have consumed dozens of books, articles, and web sites on suffering, disability, and the sovereignty of God.
What I read yesterday morning from a young man [Joe Eaton] with spina bifida may be the best statement I have ever encountered on this subject. Here is an excerpt:
Both pain and pleasure are meant to point us to the same reality; namely, that Jesus Christ is infinitely beautiful and so much more than enough for our every need. Living for Him, even suffering for Him, is worth every moment of affliction! Why? Because Jesus shows you such beauty in pain, because He is there and He is carrying us through.
3 Comments
This reminds me of a song that Steve Green sings entitled “In Brokenness You Shine.” “Your beauty shines, your love surrounds, where cries of brokenness are found bring hope alive. I want to see your beauty one more time, in brokenness you shine.”
As someone who has been ill for the last 8 years and who has to take 3 different painkillers a day (totalling 14 pills a day) just to get by, I can really relate to this.
It has been a remarkable journey of discovery and of moving deeper with God.
Too many Christians shy away from the reality of personal suffering and many don’t know what to do with someone like myself who has long term health issues, but wasn’t born with them.
The usual ones are; “there must be unresolved sin in your life” or “you don’t really want to be healed” and so on.
John Piper, Ajith Fernando, Joni Tada are 3 names that spring to mind who have dealt brilliantly with this whole subject. Praise God there are many others as well.
I 100% agree with you brother,this is so great and a powerful message of God. Suffering,some times prevents us from achieving God’s desired goal. Now it is time to see what happened; If you have been successful, Great!!!! You should think about a reward for your perseverance from the Most High One.