What's So Good About Suffering? - Part 3

In recent weeks, I have wondered why God decided I should be healed of cancer while others I know and love were not. Some may define this as survivor's guilt.

For those of you who have been diagnosed with cancer or a life threatening situation, understand what it's like to have death stare you in the face. Your knees buckle and you're placed in a position of humility to feel the hand of God resting on your life.

When death glared at me, I wasn't frightened of death itself, but of the pain that may lead to it. I was sad, not because of what was to come, but what I'd leave behind and the joys I'd miss with my loved ones.

I certainly wouldn't have chosen cancer, but it has caused me to think about life and death. As a believer in Jesus, I have the hope of eternity. I didn't fear death, but discovered at a much deeper level that death will be the better thing. I'd be removed from the pain of this world and be face to face with Jesus forever.

I've come to a deeper understanding of Paul's statement in Philippians 1:21where he says, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." For those who do not believe in Jesus, life on this earth is all there is. It's natural to strive for the world's values - money, popularity, pleasure, status. I, too, have done that and found emptiness. For Paul, to live meant to develop eternal values and to tell others about Christ, who alone could help them see life from an eternal perspective.

Paul goes onto share the struggle of choosing life or death in verses 22-24 where it says, "If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body."

In verses 25-26, Paul continues, "Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

Paul's purpose for living went beyond providing for physical needs. His life was to be an example to others, for the benefit of other believers (the Body of Christ, the church).

In Colossians 1:24, Paul reiterates this concept. "Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church." Joni Eareckson Tada explains this passage, in her book, When God Weeps, ' Nothing is lacking when it comes to what Christ did on the cross. It is finished, just as he said, But something IS lacking when it comes to showcasing the salvation story to others. Jesus isn't around in the flesh, but you and I are. When we suffer and handle it with grace, we're like walking billboards advertising the positive way God works in the life of someone who suffers. It's for the benefit of believers. But it's more than a matter of example or even inspirations. It's you. Because we are one in the body of Christ, we are linked together. Your victories become mine.'

As believers, others learn something powerful about God from observing us in our suffering. Christ gave us this example, it's one we should mimic for the benefit of others. That's a purpose worth living for!