I HURT SO MUCH

I am preaching a memorial service on Saturday. I didn't know the young man but I do know his step-brother. People have arrived from out of town to attend the service and one of the early arrivals is the dad. He and the step-brother stopped by my office yesterday. It was an incredibly sad visit.

The deceased was thirty-two, in what appeared to be perfect health, but the coroner has ruled that he died of natural causes. Quite a shock, right? Dad spoke through his tears and moaned, “I hurt so much. I’m believe in God and I can’t believe He would let this happen to us.”

As I consoled the two men, I thought of something I often say to my church, "God is far more concerned with our character than our comfort."

Right now, as you look at some recent hardship or tragedy that you have gone through, you might well say, “I love God and trust Him, but honestly, I just don't see why God let it happen to me."

Many Christians think that they are somehow exempt from human suffering. But the reality is that inexplicable and heartbreaking things do happen to good and godly people. Christians get cancer, die in auto accidents, lose their jobs, and experience practically all of the problems that people outside of Christ experience.

The example of Job is so valuable here. Job's friends thought that his trials were the result of some bad thing he had done. But they were mistaken. Job did nothing wrong and the story teaches us that bad things do happen to godly people becasue we live in a sinful world.

Scripture also acknowledges that you and I may be surprised by the trials we encounter. The apostle Peter wrote: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12 NIV).

Even so, we frequently are surprised when we encounter painful experiences—problems in our career, with our family, with our kids, or in our marriage—and even death.

Listen, your problems never come a surprise to God. He is aware of your circumstances, and He is also in control, and everything that touches your life must first pass through His permissive hands. But do not fear, He will use it to shape you into the image of Jesus Christ.

And that, my friend, if infinitely better than just living the comfortable life.