Focal Passage: Genesis 3:16-19; Romans 8:18-25
Last January, my wife suddenly grew ill. What started as a panic attack, within a few days, became a series of uncontrollable and sometimes painful spasms and convulsions from her head to her feet. She has since been diagnosed with a condition called PNES (psychogenic non-epileptic seizures) and is learning to cope with her illness, but in those early days of unanswered questions, we could not help but ask why.
God’s Word has much to say on the topic of suffering from its origin to its purpose in God’s plan of redemption in Christ. Suffering is the plight of sinful humanity. It is part and parcel to living in a world that has been ravaged by the effects of the Fall. It is also part and parcel to the Christian life as well. As we hold out the light of the gospel and seek to walk circumspectly in the world, we will suffer (2 Timothy 3:12). Yet, we are not without hope.
Our hope during suffering comes first in knowing that our sovereign God is at the helm and has a purpose for our pain. My wife’s condition varies from day to day, sometimes from morning to evening. At times, there are no outward symptoms. At other times, she can’t get out of bed without a seizure. But oh, how the Lord has grown our trust in Him these last 12 months. His precious promises of restoration at the end of days have been a balm for our souls.
Take heart, believer, and praise the Lord. Sin and its companion will soon be abolished, for God is faithful to keep His promises.