Suffering to Restoration

 

Suffering.  As the week continued from last Sunday, I found myself consistently adding to my prayer list.  There seems to be so much suffering.  There were Instances of health issues where doctors shared with people a difficult diagnosis.  Not the “You have a sinus infection” type of diagnosis, but much larger such as “You have cancer.”  I have heard those words and I know the impact they can have on your life.  As if the suffering one feels before the actual diagnosis is not enough, the journey ahead of surgery, radiation and chemo can produce even further suffering.

There were also people who lost loved ones, saying goodbye to family members from their life on earth as they passed onto eternal glory.  That pain can be so difficult, and the loss can seem to last forever.  The suffering moves from the one who has passed to those left behind. As people hold tight to memories of the past, it is hard to look to the future without our special loved one.

Lost dreams and anxiety also filled the air this week.  The suffering both situations’ hosts can build inside a person and lead to despair and depression.  Often, this type of suffering can be unseen by those that are around these folks, which can make it even more difficult to deal with.

Of course, there is the suffering of war.  As we watch battles rage, we are reminded that there are people suffering, losing their homes, their belongings, their health, and their lives.  It is hard to fathom why war continues to blaze on in a day and age when we are blessed with so much intellect and technology.  It may seem that peace should be within our grasp.  Yet every day we are reminded – whether here in the US or abroad – the difficulty in obtaining peace.

Suffering is deeper than hurt.  It hits us at the core and often feels as if it will never end.  These impactful words from Peter remind us to turn to our Heavenly Father.  It is in these words that we find our hope and promise of restoration.  Restoring means to be brought back to original condition.  The good news is that Peter shared God will give you MORE than restoration, He will make you strong, firm, and steadfast.

 You will not only be restored, but you will also be new and improved! 

Our time here on earth is truly short compared the eternity we will spend with Christ.  The suffering we may endure here will be replaced with God’s goodness. 

“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 21:5

As we pray for ourselves and those around us who are suffering, may we pray the words of Peter, asking God for His mercy and grace to shine upon us.  Let us bask in the light of His words and the hope that He brings to each of us as we live our earthly lives.  Then may the peace, which passes all understanding, provide us the simple faith to rest in God’s arms.

Dearest Father, you have called us to eternal glory in you.  Please take away the suffering and restore us!  May you make us strong, firm, and steadfast in YOU!  In your loving name we pray, Amen!