seasons of suffering Feb 18/25

Seasons of suffering. They come upon us often abruptly. Many times it seems like one crisis isn't enough and others accumulate to make the journey even harder. I remember well the year my dad was sick and eventually passed from cancer. Wasn't that hard enough? Yet God allowed for other things in our family to happen. In the following months after Dad's passing we had a significant chimney fire at our house, my mom's dad had a stroke and the younger three of our family of six struggled to find effective ways to deal with our grief. The burden on my mom was huge. She spent significant time on her knees crying out to God. Slowly a rebellious child returned. Over the years we can look back and see how that season of grief was used by God to shape us and mold us to be more Christ-like. These seasons of suffering never seem to end in this life and in fact the Bible tells us that we will experience much. As I experience another season of suffering in my life, I find myself asking how much Lord and for what? How will we make it through this? Why do there have to be so many situations that are difficult at the same time? As I read God's word and try to understand how he would have me respond I come up with two main answers. Be real in my suffering as job, David and others were. Don't be afraid to Lament. Secondly try to understand what God wants. I am currently reading a book by Timothy Keller that is entitled Walking with God through pain and suffering. He takes us through the story of Joseph and the suffering he endured for a purpose. What is that purpose in my life, what areas of my heart are areas God needs to sweep out the corners and improve. I realize from experience that I may not know the answer to these questions right away. Lord you have seen fit to allow situations into my life. Help me through my anguish. Help me to see things from your perspective. Help me to respond the way you want me to. Work in the areas of my heart that are cluttered and need refocus. Thanks for your patience, your servant, Scott