From Suffering to Hope
Back in high school, I had to write an essay on “why God lets bad things happen to good people.” I remember that the “correct” answer was so that the good people could help when others go through struggles. This seemed silly to me – if there weren’t any bad things to go through, then nobody would need help.
But sometimes I get glimpses of how that right answer is really deeper than that. That the path of suffering can be a source of strength both in my life and in the life of others. That has been brought home for me in the life of someone you’ve never heard of. But I’d like to share his story because it has impacted me, and I hope that his suffering might strengthen you as well.
I found worship pastor C.J. Bergmen through NoiseTrade, an interesting service that allows you to support independent musicians by purchasing their music for whatever you are willing to pay. I loved his music, and subscribed to his blog. C.J. and his wife Reneè have had a year marked by suffering, but I want to honor their journey and continued dependence on God and His mercy. It’s a little hard to figure out how to best share their story, but you can try the posts in this order. And it isn’t the suffering I’m sharing, so much as their response to it.
The story is because of suffering… but it isn’t about suffering.
Go buy his album while you’re at it…
And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5
after reading all of that, all i can do is humble myself, fall on my face and acknowledge that His ways are higher. what does it take to have a heart that even after all that, still trusts, loves, and hopes in God?