What's So Good About Suffering - Part 5

This week I've had interactions with two young women (both in their 20's), one is battling hodgkins lymphoma, while the other is dealing with crohn's disease.  They both are struggling with the limitations from their illnesses and the "new normal" of their lives. They are learning how to live life with the rude reality that comes from these diseases. I can empathize to a degree, given my recent battle with breast cancer, but not entirely. Each of our experiences with suffering is unique. Yet, we share one thing in common - our diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and future are in the hands of Someone greater than us. Our hope is in Jesus. We have a guaranteed promise that when we put our hope in Him, we will not be disappointed, as it is written in Isaiah 49:23 - Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.

Suffering has a way of causing a person to look beyond the pain to a time and place where there is no more suffering.  No matter the impact these dreadful diseases have on our mortal bodies, we can cast out fear of death because of our eternal hope through Christ. None of us may have yearned for heaven as readily or frequently if we had escaped the pain of these diseases. Yet, we can set our hearts, minds and souls on Heaven with this confident assurance:

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." - Revelation 12:4

Until that day comes, Lord Jesus, I pray each of us will grow in our yearning for You, the Creator of life, who has intimate knowledge of every cell in our bodies.  May we trust You with our medical treatments. Guide us and help us to make wise choices that feed our bodies, minds and spirits for Your glory. Keep us from putting our trust and hope in anything but You, the Giver & Sustainer of our lives. May we yearn for You more and more, as we await the day when we join you in heaven. In Jesus Name I ask this. AMEN.