AUGUST 19, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

AUGUST 19 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: 1 PETER 2:18-25

Suffering...now this is a hard one. In dealing with this we don't want to sound trite, as if the suffering is not real. I also must begin by saying I don't know why certain people suffer in certain ways and I am not sure we will know this side of heaven the reason for our suffering. Here is what I do know...you either have suffered, you are suffering, or you will suffer. It is part of the human condition in this sin-fallen world. Again, I do not say that to minimize the suffering of anyone, but in some way it may help us not to be consumed with our particular suffering, realizing that...all suffer, all need to have our compassion...all are loved by Jesus in the midst of whatever they are going through.

I have asked the Lord many times, "Why does ( ) have to suffer so much?" They are an incredibly faithful person, who serves You, who loves You, who would do anything for You and Your Kingdom. I still have not received an answer...not completely sure there is an answer this side of heaven...but I am glad that I have a loving Heavenly Father that allows me to ask the questions on my heart. I have seen incredible human suffering. I have also seen the incredible grace of God sustain so many in their suffering.

In dealing with suffering, I am reminded that my finite mind cannot grasp the full plan of God. I see only a small portion, while God sees the whole picture. In suffering, it is important to keep my eyes focused on the Lord and not what I am going through. Always remembering, He is God...He loves us...He has a plan...He is good all the time...He is always there to give us what we need in our suffering, right when we need it. He cares deeply about us in the midst of going through whatever we must go through. Finally, I pray that we could gain the understanding of a man who knew all kinds of suffering, the Apostle Paul, who said that when he considers all the promises of God and what eternity holds, he realizes that the suffering of this world cannot compare to those.

Please share your thoughts.