Those Extreme Moments

Those Extreme Moments: 

Why is there so much suffering? 

Sadly, some of the problems we face in life are just a painful consequence of living in a fallen world. 

Still, there is no simple answer to this question of suffering or why some people seem to suffer more than most. 

At this time, we don’t yet see things clearly. 

Eugene Peterson “Writes, We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. 

But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! 

We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing Him directly just as He knows us!”¹.

In the mean time, all of us may suffer at some time or another as a result of sorrow, a physical illness, some personal incident – an estranged relationship, an economic circumstance, and so on. 

The list could appear endless, not forgetting the consequences of engaging in armed conflict! 

In addition, the natural physical world doesn’t holdback its suffering either! 

Famine, floods, bush-fires, volcanic eruptions to name a few. 

The frightening earthquake in the second largest city in New Zealand – which caused the destruction of so many homes and buildings. 

And yes, even as we write, we’re so aware of the huge earthquake in Japan which triggered the catastrophic tsunami – bringing fear to the whole Pacific region. 

Nonetheless, we continue to pray for all areas and folks affected by these disasters. 

And as we learn from the qualities of being human, we aim to relieve the pain and suffering of others, hoping as we do so – we may gain a deeper insight beyond our natural understanding. 

Yet, in light of this, some of the hard times, pressures and problems that we endure – could be necessary to assist in the developing & strengthening of who we are.².

Sure-enough, no matter how difficult we might feel things are at times, it will soon become apparent that it’s during those times of unrest and uncertainty that our faith grows the most. 

And even though those circumstances may seem unbearable, we have the assurance that our Heavenly Father will intervene to provide a way out. 

Nevertheless, admittedly, in most cases, we will never understand the reason for suffering – but must walk forward in faith regardless. 

Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job.³.

If you find life difficult, trust Him. He knows what He’s doing. 

Remember, God is with us through those extreme moments. 

That’s right, God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you.”⁴.

God is there, ready to help. 

So come on! Turn your focus away from the condition in which you find yourself, and in faith turn to the Saviour. 

And that’s about it friends, keep your eyes on Jesus!⁵.

Amen? Amen!

¹ 1 Corinthians 13:12

² James 1:2-4

³ 1 Peter 4:12

1 Peter 4:19

⁴ Hebrews 13:5-6

⁵ Hebrews 12:2

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