Looking for Hope in suffering

Deep in our hearts, many of us pray, "I hope there is some greater purpose for the suffering I endure."

Know this: there is mystery in suffering.  The sufferings of the present are nothing in comparison to the life that is to come.  God's ways are not our ways.   The sufferings of Jesus were a result of human beings choosing to harm him, to ruin his reputation, to humiliate him, to inflict physical and emotional wounds on him.  Whether it is from our own faults or from the abuse of others, the suffering and death that accompanies sin is always difficult.

The long view:  our consolation is the promise of the resurrection of our soul and body.  It follows only after death, pain, and suffering, in whatever form that may be. Imagine that... a life of freedom from suffering and death!

The short view: every day our sufferings can be offered up to God as prayers for those in need of grace, those who are also suffering and crying out for relief, life, freedom from the slavery of death and corruption.  Our sufferings do not need to be meaningless, an empty experience without merit. They can carry their weight in grace.  In this way, suffering becomes a means of solidarity with others and our participation in Christ's act of love. 

The apostle Paul once said, "In my body, I make up for what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ's body."  He knew that all of us are in this together.

We encourage you to reflect on this paradox meaning of suffering and to offer your sufferings as a sacrifice to God.  Know that we have already been doing the same for you.

Share w/Someone

Much healing can come from knowing someone out there cares enough to listen. 

If you have something to share, we have the desire to listen and pray for you.

Below you will find a comment box, linked to a private email that only the authors of this site read. 

Know of our prayers.

-