How to Trust God When Suffering Feels Unfair
Since the weather is warmer now, I moved my morning time with Jesus outside by the firepit. My sweet Pastor husband and I decided it was time to add additional fire rocks to our propane firepit. I chose what I wanted from Amazon and within two days they were on my doorstep.
Adding My Fire Rocks
Before I opened God’s Word one morning, I decided to add my new fire rocks. I cut the tape that kept the box sealed and then I realized there were staples holding the box shut as well. These weren’t just any staples; they were demon staples. I’m thankful I didn’t cut my hand in trying to remove those staples!
After a very frustrating ten to fifteen minutes opening the box, I added my new fire rocks to my propane firepit. It looked beautiful. However, my firepit wouldn’t ignite. I tried several times, and then finally removed some of my new rocks. Fully frustrated now, I made space around the fire ring, and it ignited on my first try.
I sat down with God’s Word annoyed and discouraged. My expectation to cover up the ugly metal ring was stymied. Plus, I was irked by my own disappointment and irritation. After all, it was just fire rocks in a propane firepit!
Life Can Feel Unfair
God has a quirky sense of humor. As I opened up my Bible study book, I read 1 Peter 2:21. “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps.” (NLT)
Now, I am very aware I wasn’t truly suffering. However, in that moment, I felt life was unfair. I wanted something simple and then I wanted to know why wouldn’t it just work? I knew my frustration and my grumpy, defeated response was not how Jesus would’ve reacted.
In I Peter 2:22-24, we read about Jesus’ response when He was mistreated or when He endured suffering. He didn’t sin. He never deceived anyone. When He was insulted, He didn’t retaliate, nor threaten anyone, nor plot revenge. I, on the other hand, wanted to have a pity party or throw a temper tantrum.
We Will All Suffer
Later in the book of 1 Peter, Peter says, “Christ suffered while He lived in His human body. So you should prepare yourselves to suffer too. Think about it in the same way Christ did. If someone suffers in His body, He has finished with sin.” (Easy English Bible)
Not what I wanted to learn even though I am very familiar with the truth of suffering Peter talks about. Let me provide a few examples.
- I watched my parents bury two of their daughters, two of my sisters.
- I witnessed my mom be judged unfairly and lose her job when she was in her late fifties. She struggled to find new employment because she was too old for some jobs, and over-qualified for the rest.
- I experienced my dad’s struggle with memory loss and then a very painful cancer.
- I cared for my mom while she battled cancer, dealt with consistent pain, and lost control of various parts of her body.
- My remaining sister battled two different types of cancer.
- My brother is a widower.
- My sweet Pastor husband’s mom lived with Alzheimer. He would often call her wondering if she would know who he was.
- My sweet Pastor husband’s brother battled debilitating Parkinson’s due to contact with Agent Orange while in the military.
And that’s just my family. I’m not accounting for dear friends who have lived with or are still living with intense suffering. We will suffer, that’s a given. Yet for whatever reason, I continue to expect God to make life easier.
The Lord is Ever Mindful of You
Holy Spirit pointed out to me I have the wrong mindset. Yes, I will suffer, and so will you. But our thoughts shouldn’t be focused on that one detail. Instead, our thought should be “The Lord is ever mindful of me.”
I know as a parent, my thoughts were often continually on a particular child because I was worried about him or her. Or I was particularly mindful of one child because I was annoyed with that child. In addition, I’ve been mindful of a child because I was convinced he or she was going to get into serious trouble. God isn’t mindful of us for any of those reasons.
God is mindful of us for better reasons. One, He is our creator. He knew us before He formed us in our mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5). Two, He has plans for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11). Three, He knows everything (Psalm 44:21, 1 John 3:20). And lastly, He watches everything (Proverbs 15:3, Jeremiah 16:17).
Psalm 23 and Suffering
One of the cross-references for the passage I read in 1 Peter 2 (verses 18-25) was Psalm 23. We read this treasured psalm and easily imagine God will provide the good life on a silver platter. We will enjoy green pastures, rest, plenty of water, renewal, and a clear path. Clearly, since God is mindful of us, He will provide all these things.
Allow me to remind you in the middle of Psalm 23 the psalmist says, “Even though I go through the darkest valley…” (Psalm 23:4, CSB) We must accept that the darkest valley is part of the journey. The Psalmist never says the rest mentioned in verse two is continuous, nor is the peaceful stream always close by. The Psalmist mentions God renews our strength in verse three which means we get tired and depleted. In addition, when the Psalmist discusses the “right path,” He doesn’t say it is smooth or easy, only that it will bring honor to God’s name.
Trust God to be Mindful of You
God calls us to live differently in a world that is unjust and where we will suffer. We are called to trust God is mindful of us. We trust He will provide the elements the Psalmist mentioned in Psalm 23. As we live from that conviction, we choose to behave in ways that honor Him. We choose to reflect the character of Jesus Christ. After all, as we learn from 1 Peter 2, He is our source of hope, blessing, healing, salvation, and safety.
I don’t know what you are currently facing. However, God does know. And He is mindful of you. “Even when bad things happen to … good and godly [people] the LORD will save them and not let them be defeated by what they face.” (Psalm 34:19, TPT)
We are left to figure out what we can do to strengthen our trust. Proverbs gives us the wisdom we need.
“My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings. Don’t lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and health to one’s whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don’t let your lips talk deviously. Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established. Don’t turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil.”
Proverbs 4:20-27, CSB
How to Strengthen Your Trust
First of all, we must guard our heart. We must be careful of where we place our affections. In addition, we must take care of our innermost thoughts and feelings. If our thoughts and feelings do not align with who God is, we must bring them to Him and allow Holy Spirit to transform us by renewing our minds (Romans 12:2).
Second, we must speak truth and avoid manipulating others with our speech. At times, this may mean we don’t speak at all; no promoting our side of the story, or defending our character or actions. We are to trust God to provide what we need when we need it. We are not the ones in control.
Third, we must not get distracted by what the world says is valuable, or by a path that appears to be easier and/or shorter. We are to move ahead, one foot in front of the other, one small step at a time if necessary. We must keep our eyes focused on only where Jesus leads.
Some of you are dealing with excruciating suffering. My heart hurts for you and I am pleading with God on your behalf. Others of us are dealing with everyday life, and some days are just plain hard. I see you and I am cheering you on. All of us must continually remember, the suffering will end. God truly is mindful of us, and He has glory for us beyond our imagination, now and for eternity.
photo
