We all know the ache of suffering.
A friend lost his job.
A friend knows that they are in the beginning stages of dementia.
A friend feels lost in life.
A woman feels unloved by her spouse.
Someone lives alone.
Someone's spouse has died.
A person's job no longer brings them joy.
A friend is worried that they may have cancer.
The kids are moving away.
I have no grand children.
He lost his career.
A friend has worked their entire life and still lives paycheck to paycheck.
A friend feels lost on the way of life.
We all know the ache of suffering. And it isn't going away. When we suffer, we tend to have more empathy for others that suffer. When we suffer we stand in solidarity, we are united to others that hurt.
And so Jesus hangs on the cross. The ache of suffering. In these moments on the cross he is joining each of us on the suffering journey of life. It is a marvelous message of love. It is as if the Savior is calling to us from the cross, "I am here for you. I am here with you. I hurt as you hurt. You are not alone."
Next time you find yourself experiencing the ache of suffering remember these things.
- suffering is universal... it comes to all
- suffering makes us feel truly alive
- suffering causes us to seek out friends and meaningful relationships
- suffering gives us the opportunity to empathize with others.
Next time you feel the ache, go intentionally find another person who is hurting. Find them, hug them, tell them that you stand with them.
Even if you are experiencing the ache of suffering, It is still a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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I am leading a trip to Ireland in July this year. If you are interested in reading about it, or joining in, the link is below.....
Treasures of Ireland
July 13-22, 2020
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