My husband and I usually have a short conversation before he leaves for work. We discuss what’s ahead for his day and mine, and often I learn interesting medical facts, some of which I would have preferred never to know. But today an odd one came up.
I asked, “Isn’t there a condition in which the person doesn’t feel pain?”
He responded, “Yes, I met the oldest living person who had that.”
The picture of a 90ish-year-old man came into my head.
He added, “He was 22-years-old. Without pain to tell you you have appendicitis or an infection, you die.”
WOW.
A little later I opened email to read that two acquaintances had lost loved ones. I know other people who are experiencing deep emotional pain and powerful physical pain, and I’m anticipating some myself today as I head to PT for a new course on my ‘good shoulder.’:) In the midst of so much pain, it appears there is good news. Though much pain comes as a result of the Fall, no pain is wasted. It seems that in God’s strange ways, he uses pain to keep us alive, not just physically, but spiritually. Read the prayer Scotty Smith wrote last week; better yet, pray it with him, with me.
A Prayer About the Normalcy of Suffering
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13
Dear Lord Jesus, this portion of your Word comes like a kiss from heaven. To know that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life actually brings me, and many of my friends, a great deal of relief today. For many of us have “suffered” under the weight of bad theology—various teachings that make Christians feel like spiritual pigmies for suffering any degree of illness, lack, loss, defeat, doubt, economic struggle, emotional duress… and the list goes on. But you tell us painful trials and suffering are not strange at all.
It’s not that I want to suffer more, and I know I can suffer much simply from my own foolishness. But no one wants to suffer in vain… or with a sense of being a disappointment to you… or feeling abandoned by you… or being punished by you. The gospel tells us otherwise, but pain is an accomplished and effective liar.
In reality, most of our brothers and sisters in Jesus live in conditions that would make me wilt with whining, given my creature-comfort laden life. Indeed, Jesus, help me realize the aberration of the American “good life.” I thank you for the many things you allow me to enjoy where I live, but I don’t want to presume on them as a right. Rather, help us receive these good gifts as stewards and share them as servants.
Jesus, please help us understand how our suffering can be understood as participating in your sufferings. Your death on the cross was a once-and-for-all suffering—perfectly securing the salvation of your people. However, you’re not a distant, disconnected, dispassionate Savior. You’re presently making all things new, and this involves showing up in the messes and madness of life. Where there is injustice, disease, brokenness and suffering, you are present. How do we join you there and fellowship with you there? (Philippians 3:10)
There is a day of no more suffering coming (Revelation 21:1-5), and what a day of over-rejoicing that will be—the Day when your glory will be fully revealed. Until then, give us all the sufficient, sustaining, serving grace we need now… to suffer with you and for you. So very Amen, we pray, in your wonderful and merciful name.”
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