When I was 25, my best friend died of ovarian cancer just before I started Medical School. I once described that loss as an explosion without any sound. About a year and a half later, I was talking to a classmate, Paul, whose dad had died when he was 14. He said, "You're mad at God." I had grown up in church, so immediately I wanted to deny that. I thought that it had to be some kind of terrible sin, but then I realized he was right. For the four years before entering medical school, my work schedule prevented me from going to church. After starting medical school, I no longer had that excuse, but I still wasn't going. About a year after realizing I had been mad at God, I decided it was time to go back and try to work through my anger and loss. God is good. While I was pushing God away, He sent Paul and several other good people my way. I think part of the reason Paul and I had a close relationship was that we had both experienced profound loss. Most people our age hadn't, and they just didn't get it. It's not something you get over in a few days, or weeks, or months, or years. Time heals all wounds, but no one tells you how much time. Writing helps me process life's trials. Forgiven The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression... (Num 14:18) If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chr 7:14) Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. (Ps 32:1) For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. (Ps 86:5) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; (Ps 103:2-3) ...if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: (Matt 6:14) Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:' (Luk 6:37) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) But when the shadow stretched across the bed where she lay - small, thin, and pale, A question crept into my soul: Can you forgive me, Lord, if I cannot forgive you? Then the Lord reached down and lifted my chin And showed me the crowds yelling, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him” He showed me His nail-pierced hands and wound in His side Revealed His anguish of bearing all of our sins and being forsaken by His Father Then I repented, for my audacity. For my loss was less than her gain. His plan saw beyond my pain. God has big shoulders. He understands us better than we understand ourselves. People ask why God allows bad things to happen to innocent, good people. The Bible shows us that God knows history and the future. He knows how each trial and injury will affect us and everyone around us. I'm a better physician because I understand grief. I understand depression because I've been depressed. I understand suffering because I have suffered. I know that suffering is part of life. Even Christ suffered. Through it all He was always there. "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:3-5 Jesus willingly took on our burdens, enduring pain, rejection, and suffering. His ultimate sacrifice on the cross was a profound act of love that brought us forgiveness and reconciliation with God. He bore our sins so that we might experience peace and healing. In times of our own suffering, we can find solace in knowing that Jesus understands our pain intimately. Hebrews 4:15 (ESV) reminds us, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." As we navigate challenges and hardships, we can find comfort in Jesus, our suffering servant, who walked this path before us. Let's embrace the assurance that Jesus' suffering was not in vain, but rather a demonstration of His boundless love and grace. In our daily lives, let's try to emulate the selflessness of the suffering servant by showing compassion and care for others. Through acts of kindness and sacrificial love, we can reflect Christ's character and share His message of redemption with the world. As we face our own trials, may we find inspiration in His example and draw strength from the assurance of His presence in our lives. Comments are closed.
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He is our PEACE. {Stephanie Forbes' Story} He is our REFUGE. {Jan Owen's Story} He is our PROVIDER {Darrell Bryant Story} He is our COMPASSION {Carol Bryant's Story} He is ABLE. {Sandee DePriest's Story} He is GOOD {Ashton Rost's Story} He is PRESENT while we wait. {Anonymous} He is our SOURCE OF STRENGTH. {Bruce Helsley's Story} He is our STRONG TOWER. {Adisyn Gray's Story} He is our LIGHT. {Gage Miers' Story} He is our WAYMAKER {Ashlee Miers' Story} He is our ALPAH and OMEGA. {Don & Barb Calton's Story} He is CARING. {Anonymous} He is WITH ME. {Robbie Tackett's Story} He is my DELIVER. {Julie Long's Story} He is TRUSTWORTHY. {Rob Schad} He is My REDEEMER. {Chris Wilson} He is My HELP. (Angela Maddox} He is SOVEREIGN {Anonymous} He is our SHEPHERD Jerry & Pat Capps He is our SALVATION Carol Kolander He is our SUFFERING SERVANT Nolan Snider He is my ALL IN ALL Toni Lorenz He is our REST. Anonymous He is Our Mediator. {Anonymous} |