For you, my dear friend…
I have a friend who was in a horrifying accident. After that, she has been in a wheelchair and unable to do much of the things she used to do before. My friend was an active “bike Minister”, who spent most of her time, with her husband, witnessing in the middle of bike guys. However, she maintains a good attitude, though it must wear thin at times. Not being able to do the things she wants and needs to do grate on her nerves and with great reason. Most of the times she battles pain and tries to cope with daily activities that most of us take for granted. Why things like this do happens? In fact, there is no answer for that.
As the Apostle Paul said: “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer…” (1 Corinthians 12:26), I suffer with her.
Paul’s life was one of self-sacrifice and hardship, as he worked hard to spread the Good Message of the Kingdom of God. He wrote: “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Now, it takes a deeply converted attitude to take that approach to suffering, but Paul had the big picture in mind and he knew how it would all turn out.
How does it all turn out in the end? Is there a divine purpose being worked out that involves each and every one of us? An understanding of the Scriptures found in the Bible reveals the answer, and it is a resounding, “Yes!” There are promises in the Bible that bring some consolation here and now. Romans 8:28 states: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” And, we can know that there is a limit to what we will have to go through. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Going all the way to the culmination of God’s plan for mankind, we see a wonderful time foretold in these words: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). So, as I suffer with our friend, as my pray for her, we know that ultimately, she, along with all mankind, will have the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful Kingdom in which there will be no more pain. My friend understands this and has set her sights on that time and place. It gives her hope, as it should all of us.