War veterans, grieving widows and widowers, the terminally ill, acutely sick children, chronically diseased – I’ve cared for many in my 40 plus years of nursing. The privilege of knowing them in their suffering makes me a better person.
As some embrace suffering, they picture a brighter future. This coping strategy resounds with resilience and hope. As they acknowledge the reality of their problems without denial, greater life satisfaction comes with solutions. Sometimes, even as mortal death draws near.
Sadly, many choose to ignore reality and their responsibility to grow in character amid hardship. This approach to life is vacant of hope, creativity, and belief the human spirit can soar to higher things under pressure. Often filled with mental and emotional heartbreak, they seem to want someone to “fix it” for them.
So, what or who is the source of a brighter future for the resilient ones? Some just seem to embrace a very positive, “it’s all going to be OK,” attitude. This positive energy works for them. Others believe the source of life.
They’ve been made right with God by believing Jesus paid for their sins. They expect God’s working on their behalf and aren’t afraid of disease, death, and distress because they are God’s children. They know Jesus’ suffering was because of love; suffering is temporary and has a purpose that loves others.
I am one of those grateful others, as I witness their response to suffering. Years of observation teach me to face challenges with the expectation love will be released. God continues to orchestrate His healing love in myself and others in the midst of the ashes of suffering. He does it as I look to Him with expectation and hope. He is my faithful Father, and He always acts in love. This is very good news.
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us–they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (NLT: Romans 5: 2 – 5)