""Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator." I Peter 4:19 NKJV
God doesn't always answer our prayers in the way we want. But He always has purpose in what He does.
One member of our church--I'll call her Sharon--has attended church services regularly for years, despite unimaginable trials. Sharon survived birth, but her twin died. She grew up with one functioning eye; an artificial one was added to the other socket.
As a child, she endured sexual abuse.
Sharon's grown daughter survived a refinery explosion at her job, but died from burns soon after.
Sharon is prone to cancer in the mouth. Consequently, she has had repeated surgeries to eliminate the disease. That means most of her tongue, teeth, and part of her jaw have been removed. It is hard to understand her speech as she tries to enunciate.
One day her entire face was surgically lifted up to eliminate more cancer. After receiving many stitches under the jawline, she discovered she would never be able to lift her head very high to look people in the eyes. This complicated operation was repeated for a second time.
Lately, Sharon has lost her ability to swallow and cannot eat food or drink liquids. A tube has been inserted for sustenance.
She bought a wheelchair to get around.
But she continues to be a functioning part of our church. She has been a co-teacher for Sunday School and writes out birthday cards for all members.
Sharon says she gets discouraged at times. "God does not always answer my prayers. Pray for me."
I have determined that Sharon is a powerful testimony to me about faithfulness. Just watching her slowly enter the sanctuary every week and sit in her spot encourages me to be faithful.
Our trials may not always be about us; they may be for a witness to someone else.
"Lord God, thank You for the many shining examples of patient, suffering saints You have given us in the Word and who surround us daily. Amen."
Linda Jinkens (WA)
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Purpose In Suffering
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