I had an experience last Thursday that really sent my world spinning. Without going into a lot of details, a friend went into a deep crisis that had a number of us deeply worried and scared for his well being. For a period of about 12 hours, we didn't know which way things were going to turn out.
I went to bed that night incredibly concerned for my friend, but also deeply grateful for our faith. Because this was a situation that involved suffering on multiple levels, I found myself accessing my faith at a deep level. I found myself so thankful that the kind of faith we often long for - a God who makes everything nice and ends suffering - doesn't exist.
Instead, I found so much peace that the central symbol of the Christian faith is a cross. I found so much comfort in the reality that God chose to enter our suffering. I was so grateful that although no one knew how the circumstances facing us would out, there was a peace inside I couldn't describe.
Sometimes I think the Christian faith is best understood from the perspective of suffering. When you have a need, it puts you in touch with some of the deepest strands that run through every life.
If you are looking for a promise that everything will always be perfect and you will never suffer, the Christian faith will disappoint you deeply. But if you are in touch with the fragility of the human condition, your personal needs and the needs of others, the story of Jesus will resonate more deeply than anything I know. At least it did - and does - for me.
I'm sure at some point this week you'll need to jump into a story that gives meaning to your disappointment, your frustration, your fear or your suffering. Jesus is ready to meet you there, and for that, I'm so grateful.
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