Stories

 

"As for us, we cannot help speaking about what

we have seen and heard."

Acts 4:20

 

 

Stories. I have been thinking about the stories I want to leave my children and grandchildren. I could tell stories about how I have experienced the unfairness of the world. About mean people and the hurt they are capable of. How to have reasonable expectations. Or how to spend money frugally. But, frankly, there is no inspiration in these kinds of stories. The stories I want to tell are those of redemption, forgiveness, living life to the fullest, and never giving up.

 

We have heard many stories throughout the last few weeks as they have arisen out of the tragedies in Las Vegas and Northern California. In the midst of great sorrow and pain come the stories of humanity, heroism and God working in the very midst of it all. These stories will forever impact their lives and the lives of their families and friends. I have spent a fair amount of time wondering how these stories will be told as they are passed on to those who come after them.

 

I have an interesting habit of reading several books at one time, simply because I love stories. Currently, I am reading only two - "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn, and "Walking with God through Pain and Suffering" by Tim Keller. Whether fiction or non-fiction, there are stories to tell and information to disperse that helps us walk through this complicated life. I love what I am learning about what God's Word teaches about the hope of heaven, but also realizing that my hand is firmly held by a Savior who is literally beside me, as I face the unexpected and unexplained.

Reading or hearing the encouraging stories of real people who have trusted God in the midst of suffering gives me great delight. May I nudge you to take the time to listen to these stories from your friends/family who have experienced pain and suffering while at the same time walking with God through them. Seek them out; ask them to give you details of how God sustained them. It will bring new understanding to facing suffering when it does come, and reminds us to recognize the presence of God even in the darkest of times. 

One of the early statements Keller makes in his book, is that "people say the personal God cannot also be the good and powerful God who created a world where suffering exists. These people say they can see no good reason for suffering, so there must not be one. America has the framework in place in dealing with suffering. We medicate, avoid, and cope, but we do not suffer well. Just because we cannot see a good reason for our suffering doesn’t mean God doesn’t have one."

 

We do not suffer well...oh, how I want to suffer well, so that those who come behind me will hear the stories about how I suffered well at the side of Jesus. Jesus was a trailblazer of sorts, in the area of deep pain and suffering, as He submitted His own will to the will of His Father, as He loved and forgave those who did not know what they were doing, and as He offered redemption through His death on the cross. As difficult as it may seem, it must be enough to know God loves, cares, and is sovereign. Understanding His Sovereignty is not easy, but once we grasp, it can bring great peace as questions with no answers come in those times when circumstances are beyond our comprehension.

 

I would never claim to have the answers regarding suffering, but I can point you to Jesus who is my Hope in suffering. I can tell you the stories of Jesus...

 

P.S.  Update on my health - I am doing very well. Exercising and doing Yoga, weekly Vitamin C infusions, eating a plant-based diet, and taking other supplements to keep my quality of life at a premium. I had the collagen injection on my paralyzed vocal cord 3 weeks ago.  I enjoyed almost full voice for two weeks, but this past week my voice has been declining. I am waiting to hear what is next or if I will talk like Minnie Mouse for the rest of my life! I have been able to sing a bit and that has brought me great joy!