Stepping Stones: “God, I’m Suffering. Where Are You?”

25 August 2010



Transformational Thought

Why do people suffer? Why does God let suffering happen? These are huge questions and deserve long answers, but the simple answer is that we live in a fallen world. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, started this whole mess. Their choice to ignore God’s instruction and try life their own way, left them and all their descendants exposed to the harsh elements of this fallen world.

Death, deterioration, disease, depression, weakness, loneliness, old age…and all the rest of the long list of human ills that have plagued mankind since the beginning of time. That’s why we are in such a mess today. God didn’t do anything to us – we thought we could live life without Him. If you think Adam and Eve were stupid and you never would have bitten the apple, guess what, we bite our own apple everyday. We choose our way instead of God’s on many occasions.

But we are not alone in our suffering. While God many times chooses not to remove our suffering, His word tells us that He promises to be with us through every step of our suffering. Remember that Jesus prayed to his Father the night before his death…asking him to “let this cup pass.” God did not stop the brutal death of his Son, but He did send an angel to be with and pray with Jesus.

When we are in the heaviest rain of the storms of our life, we forget to ask for God’s help, or we forget to reach out to the people that God has sent our way during the darkest days.

Today, When you are in the midst of suffering, say this simple prayer: “God, please be with me and get me through this suffering.” Then look for Him, because He is there. God always provides exactly what you need to endure the suffering. He may not tell you why you are suffering (sometimes that comes much later), but He will certainly be by your side every step of the way, and then He will use that suffering to grow you toward Christ-likeness.

Prayer
Dear Father, I am suffering today, Lord. The burdens I bear are almost too much for me to handle…I feel I am at my breaking point. Lord, please be with me…please help me through this suffering. There is so much suffering in this world; why? Those who do not believe, and who do not want me to believe, often use the world’s suffering as an example of Your non-existence. I need Your help, Your help Lord, to rebut their negativity; give me the wisdom and the words when Your detractors attack. Help me be steadfast in trusting Your promises of being my Lighthouse of guidance and sanctuary during these storms of my life. In the name of my Suffering Savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43:1-2

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
Matthew 26:39

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Corinthians 10:13

And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."
Genesis 2:16-17
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Stepping Stones Devotional

Lighthouse Network's Stepping Stones Community
  • Stepping Stones: Loss Is Your Door to His Stability
    February 10, 2012

    Transformational Thought

    As young children, one thing we learn quickly is the reality of loss. Missing a meal, seeing others whose needs do get met, losing a mother’s attention to a newborn sibling, losing a beloved toy, losing at games, loss through divorce or job relocation. Loss of innocence through abuse or extreme life circumstances.

    Life is filled with many kinds of losses. But despite the cause, one thing is certain: all loss hurts, regardless of its size. We recover quickly from some losses … but others take months or even years to absorb and process. Certain losses are temporary while others are permanent.

    In today's economic environment in which businesses are closing and downsizing, many are facing the loss of their jobs. This kind of loss can be devastating to anyone, but especially to the breadwinner of a family. Even if it is a second job, it may represent a threat to survival, credibility, and stability for our spouse or kids.

    Job loss can produce many emotions, but fear is usually at the root of any uncomfortable response. Will I lose my home? My child is leaving for college this fall—will I have to break the news that it will be impossible? We have built up credit card debt trying to keep our heads above water … what now? Who will respect me? Will our marriage survive this pressure?

    These and many other concerns are very real and can seem extremely threatening. If we keep our eyes on the waves of hardship, we will sink into despair and hopelessness. This is a time when it is difficult … but imperative … to focus on Jesus, not on the problems. This is a time to remember that He, not our job, is our source of value, peace, security, comfort, redemption, and abundance.

    We may go through some real challenges. We may have to tighten our belts and make some sacrifices. These struggles are not easy, but with Jesus we have hope and a powerful peace. Our job may be gone and the economy may be falling apart, but God has not changed. Step back from the hardship and see your life from God’s perspective. It is because of his mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed.

    Today, dig into the areas where you struggle or have experienced some recent hardship. What is the fear at the bottom of the issue? Infuse Jesus’ teachings into your fear, let Him bring healing and comfort to your pain. Then re-evaluate your struggle through these new lenses. Remember, great and abundant is His stability and faithfulness in all things. Life is your decision, so choose well.

    Prayer
    My Father and Lord, This economy and my finances have left me feeling angry and fearful. Help me to regroup … to remember that You are here, that You love me and my family, and that You have a plan. Help me remember that this economy and my recent loss have not taken You by surprise … and that You have already made a way for me. Thank You that Your compassion never fails and that Your stability and faithfulness are abundant. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who provides my stability, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

    The Truth
    It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
    Lamentations 3:22-23

    The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
    John 10:10
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