We can feel separated from God when we suffer. My girlfriend, Joanie, recently listened to a sermon about Jesus healing the woman with long-term bleeding who had touched the edge of His garment. Joanie wondered what part of the garment she and her husband missed when they continually anguished in prayer for their little girl who died of cancer. They now live in a world of unexplained suffering and shudder at easy answers.
I saw another friend, Jerry, at the gym this week and asked him how he was. Jerry enjoys political argument and once told me that I was to blame for the problems in the world because I was evangelical!
“I’m full of dark thoughts,” he told me.
“You need to cry out to Jesus, Jerry.”
“I don’t believe in him… And who would he have voted for anyway?”
Jerry’s response wasn’t as sarcastic as it sounds. Many are struggling with their faith today. They experience confusion, separation, and loneliness. They conclude, “There is no God.”
In these tough times of misunderstanding, conflict, and personal suffering, we are called to follow in our Lord’s footsteps.
Jesus is full of grace and truth. He didn’t do wrong when He was wronged. When He suffered, it didn’t affect the truth; He didn’t manipulate or lie to make His way easier or more acceptable to others. Jesus was insulted, mocked, and disrespected but He didn’t go out for vengeance. He was right, but he didn’t push His way or make threats. In the midst of abuse, He entrusted Himself to God, who judges righteously. He did this to heal our wounds, make us right with God, and leave us an example to follow.
For reflection:
- What expressions of doubt, confusion, or fear are your friends expressing? How have you responded? Look at Jesus’s example in this passage when you are tempted to argue or anger. Entrust yourself and your friend to God in prayer.
- Review your social media usage and recent conversations. Do others see Jesus’s trusting response in you? Take time to confess and to allow the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul to lead you.
by Lisa Sinclair
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