Suffering
A word that I think all of us prefer not to think about or have to deal with. But, unfortunately, on this earth, it is a fact of life and is unavoidable. Yes, we all suffer with different things at different times in our lives. Sometimes others can tell we are suffering, and other times our suffering may not be visible to others.
Isn’t it interesting to think that even Jesus, the Savior of the world, suffered while on this earth?
*some of His family rejected His teachings
*Satan tempted Jesus several times
*He was mocked and rejected
*Suffered a tragic death being beaten
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What are some kinds of suffering you are or have endured in your life? Or, perhaps have had to deal with because of your relationship to the person suffering?
Some possibilities that come to mind are:
chronic illness
loss of a loved one
emotional abuse
unemployment
rejection from your family
divorce
a type of mental illness
a physical disability
a person slowly dying
In all of these cases the suffering can either pull the person and their family closer together, closer to the Lord, or actually pull the people further apart from each other and even the Lord.
Though it is so hard to see anyone suffer, we need to take time to extend ourselves in understanding and see in what capacity we can reach out and let them know we care.
I recently was gifted with a book called, Just Show Up: The Dance of Walking through Suffering Together by Kara Tippets and Jill Lynn Buteyn. It is a wonderful, short read that I highly recommend. Often times our “just showing up” is what someone needs. The book points out it isn’t necessarily speaking the “right” words to them, but rather showing up with our presence that makes a world of difference.
Photo credit by BK under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0)
What can we do to reach out and support these suffering people and their families? To maybe help them draw closer to each other and the Lord?
Depending on what type of suffering the people are experiencing, some options might be:
*really listen to them; to their story
*share their heartache
*tell them you are sorry
*bring them a meal
*bring flowers to brighten their room if they are confined at home
*pray for the person suffering and their loved ones to help make it through
*ask other Christians to agree in prayer with you
*encourage them with a little gift
*bring some cookies (there ya go, Mr. Pedroza!) 🙂
*send them some money anonymously
*love them right where they are & how they are
*let them know they are not alone…you are there to walk with them
*point them in the direction of professional help if it is to that point
*”just show up”
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Personally knowing and visiting a few friends who are suffering, one being close to death and one physically challenged person, I am always inspired after visiting them, leaving more blessed because of the way they are and their positive spirit despite their suffering.
They and their family endure their suffering with:
*no complaining
*a positive spirit
*being interested in you
*fighting through one step at a time.
Sharing those qualities while suffering reminds me of Jesus’ example. He did not complain, even when He was dying on the cross. Rather, He actually prayed for God to forgive those who were hurting Him.
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Lord: I lift up to you all those we know who are suffering, in whatever way, and ask you to help them make it through their suffering one step at a time. Draw them and their family closer to you as they endure their suffering in your name. Send people to “just show up” in their lives to be there for them and know they are not alone. We ask in your name. Amen.
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I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. –Romans 8:18 (NIV)
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. –Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
You talk the talk and walk the walk. Thank you. You might add “bring cookies” to things to do. Greg
Thank you so much for your kind words, Mr. Pedroza! I’ll add that! 🙂 You truly are such a joy, blessing, and inspiration in my life! Sending my love and blessings to you both!
Suffering is such a bitter pill to swallow. But without suffering, we wouldn’t be molded into the person we ought to be. It is where we learn and we become better.
Even Jesus suffered to get to glory and bring us there too. 🙂
You are so right, Lux! It is hard to suffer but remembering that even Jesus did helps us fight through it. Thanks for reading.
So many people are dealing with so many issues and you are correct, sometimes when you don’t know what to say – you don’t have to say anything, just being there is enough.
Amen, Marie. Often we don’t even know all that people are going through or feeling, but our presence may be the greatest blessing. Thanks for reading and encouraging me, Marie.