Thoughts on suffering

I eluded to some in my previous blogs, but this short journey has already taught me some significant lessons on suffering. Here are some and I pray that it’d encourage those of you going through similar trials. As apostle Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:12, let’s keep fighting the good fight of faith. 

I mentioned previously that we are ALL not immune to suffering, hardships, and trials in this life. I’ve heard somewhere that either we are going through it, have gone through it, or will go through suffering in the time to come. And for when that time comes, may we be found faithful. I don’t know what lies ahead, but I know that God knows. And He loves me. 

Many of what I write below I owe to a book on suffering written by Paul Tripp which I read (or rather listened to haha 😉) during the wee hours of the night while in the hospital. And many of the lessons I’ve seen lived out I owe to you, my dear friends and family. You have been God’s loving mouthpieces, hands, and feet to me and my family. For these, I’ll be forever grateful. Here goes:

  • One fatal conclusion is when we stop believing that God is good. Cause then we’ll cease listening to what He says and going to him for help cause nobody will go to someone we do not trust. Doubt in the middle of suffering has potential to change your life, but not for the good. There are 2 types of doubt: 
  1. Doubt of Wonderment (Good):  often expressed in the psalms. Will drive us TO God
  2. Doubt of Judgement (Bad):  concluding that God is unjust, not with us, not good. Sowing seeds of this kind of doubt is trap of the enemy. Will drive us AWAY from God. 

  • In 1 Peter 5:9, he exhorts us to “Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
  • What has my suffering done to my theology? 
  • Peter understands that holding onto childlike faith in God’s goodness is essential in facing this spiritual battle of suffering. He knew the core attack in suffering is not in our body but in our hearts. To protect our spiritual lives and faith which is of utmost!
  • Paul Tripp reminds us to “Get busy!” in suffering for “Godward gospel-centered business is a good defense to debilitating doubt.” This is one of the reasons I am blogging 😉 and it’s turned out to be a joy of mine to do as I recount God’s goodness and love in my life and am able to share it with others. 

  • I’ve shared this before but “suffering reminds us that our lives are meant to be a community project” (hence this blog 🤞).  This has been one of the most significant lessons for me as I’ve learned to allow others to enter this journey and humbly accept help in so many ways in which I may have declined in the past due to self-reliance or pride. This has been so liberating. I’ve shared this with many other folks going through difficult times as well. 

  • On a similar vane, the apostle Paul confesses to discouragement and despair of heart. Unfortunately, this is often not shared by sufferers. 
  • The confession of hopelessness robs shame of its power and frees us.
  • It open the doorway to help of others, so they can incarnate God’s presence, grace, and provision.  
  • This has been one of the most significant lessons I’ve experienced from God and from your love as I’ve learned to share my struggles.

  • Seek wise counsel during suffering: those who can provide clarity of advice, guidance, and direction 
  • In addition to reading a few good books on suffering which have brought helpful perspective and spoke truth into my heart, I’ve asked a few dear friends to personally walk alongside me life-on-life in this role of counsel. I covet their wisdom and heart for me and my well-being.

  • Lastly, Paul Tripp wrote about the reason why he wrote his book on suffering (as he went through great suffering of his own in the recent years!) He says: “The one thing that will bring joy, peace, and lasting satisfaction to our heart is Jesus Himself. His presence, power, and grace changes everything. Hope is a person and His name is Jesus. Our God Emmanuel. And no one or nothing can take This away. (Psalm 139:7-18)”
  • This has given me great hope and I hope you as well. 

Another book I read on suffering was written by David Powlison who recently passed away from a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a professor and counselor. I encourage you to check out this link In Loving Memory of David Powlison | Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation  especially a conversation with his best friend of over 50 years which he recorded soon before his passing. Very touching and honest reflections on genuine faith and friendship. 

Thanks for listening and reading. Love you all! 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Powerback! 💪

Image
After almost 3.5 years since my diagnosis, I’ll be returning to the work that I love. I’ll be starting a job this week with a company called “Powerback” where I’ll be doing home care visits providing physical therapy… ironic name considering the past several years of battling cancer.  😅   I’m excited and grateful for not only this particular opportunity but just the privilege of being able to return to work as a PT, as there were many times when I questioned whether I’d be able to have the strength and endurance to do this again. So, my excitement is tempered by a sense of nervousness as I consider what I’ve been through and it’s just been such a long time! But I feel ready and take this next step of reintegration back to life in faith, knowing that God must have a plan for me.  The initial thought of potentially doing home care PT crossed my mind while I was receiving home care nursing visits myself. I got to know many of my awesome nurses quite well and so appreciated their compassi
Read more

Perspective on the infamous “IV pole”

Image
Not very “gown-friendly”  🙅🏻 This IV pole has often been the bane of my existence while in the hospital. I’ve never used that term before but needed to stretch my vocabulary that much to find something that expresses my dread of it. For it’s often felt like a literal ball and chain stuck to my side, as I drag it along wherever I go. And it lets me know (painfully) when I forget it’s there like in the middle of the night when having to rush to the bathroom... OUCH! And, it reminds me of my weakness, my disability, and ultimately my cancer.  One day I was cold so I reached for a hoodie but I forgot about my IV pole. Btw, that’s why all my pictures in the hospital usually are with a T-shirt on! This IV pole is a pain but just like many other things I’ve gotten used to in this battle, it’s a necessary evil as it holds the bags of medicine and fluids that my body needs to fight. So maybe a better more helpful perspective might be to see it as my  body armor ... heavy and cumber
Read more

Ringing the bell! 🔔

Image
I haven’t written a blog post for a while so wanted to share some exciting updates. A couple weeks ago, our family celebrated a greatly anticipated milestone called a bell-ringing ceremony which marked my dear niece Tabitha’s completion of treatment for her leukemia! It was a long two year battle which often felt like a bad dream. Tabby is a true fighter and couldn’t be more proud of her as well as her family.  💪 During the ceremony, her doctor shared a heartwarming tribute to Tabby’s courage and perseverance. And after Tabby rang the bell to the roar of cheers from our family and the staff, there was an image that will forever be etched in my memory… that is of Tabby and my brother Dan embracing each other in tears as the flood of emotions overwhelmed them. I started getting teary-eyed even as we just drove to the hospital that day, so I can only imagine how it must have felt to stand there ringing the bell in the place where they had endured so many difficult days and nights, filled
Read more