Shadows of Suffering

Devotional on Mercy and Compassion

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed" 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV).

The beauty at the ocean was beyond compare. It was a delightfully cool morning with a piercing, clear blue sky. Sunlight danced across the giant boulders lining the inlet, the shadows contrasting with the light and forming magnificent shapes and patterns. The water glistened like millions of diamonds across the waves. It was breathtaking. Breathing in the salty air and feeling the breeze against my skin, I worshiped the God of creation while listening to the praise song Beautiful Scandalous Night. My senses were overwhelmed. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, a large school of bottle-nosed dolphins entered the inlet, jumping in and out of the water. I continued worshiping.

As I headed home, I reflected on what I had seen. What did God want me to learn? My thoughts kept returning to those boulders. They were beautiful because of the shadows contrasted against the light. Yes, that was the message! Aren't our lives also made more beautiful because of the shadows? Isn't this where God teaches us mercy and compassion and forms strength of character (2 Cor. 1:4; Rom. 5:3-5)? And isn't it in the valley of the shadow of death that we learn God is with us (Ps. 23:4)? In the dark places, in the depths of despair, we find comfort in the shadow of his wings (Ps. 57:1).

We often pray, "Jesus, mold me and make me after Thy will." But when the shadows of rejection, illness, loss, and other struggles come, we cry, "Why me, Lord?"

Today's Bible verse tells us not to be surprised by suffering. Why? Because even though we live on a spectacular planet, we are still under the curse of sin and death (Rom. 8:22-25). Yet when we trust the God of creation and understand that he loves us with an everlasting love, the One who did not spare his only Son to rescue us, we can know our trials are not in vain. In fact, it is in these dark times that we participate with Christ in his suffering.

We are told to "Endure hardship as discipline. . . God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:7-11). Hupomeno, the Greek word for endure, means to stay under, remain, and persevere. The word for discipline, paideuo, means to educate or correct, as in training a child. At first glance, this passage might seem to imply punishment for sin or suffering for suffering's sake. But that's not the point; Jesus suffered on our behalf and paid our sin debt. This is about submitting to God's training and trusting that he will use our hardships to transform us into the image of his beloved Son (James 1:2-4).

This does not mean remaining in abusive relationships when we have the power to change them. We are called to seek justice for ourselves and others (Deut. 16:20; Isa. 1:17). Even so, some of the most heinous crimes committed against God's children have, by his grace, shaped them into shining lights for his kingdom.

If you haven't experienced the goodness of God in the midst of suffering, I urge you to press into him. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you (James 4:8). Read his Word, pray, and seek his face. God's plan is far better than anything we could devise ourselves, because in him, our shadows have purpose.

Prayer
Father of Creation, when difficulties arise, help me trust you and believe there is purpose in them. May the shadows of my life make me more like you, so that your light can shine through me. Amen.

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