No Hope without Despair – FANNING THE FLAME

Pain and suffering are inherently not pleasant. We don’t like it when we experience trouble in our life no matter how insignificant that trouble may be. It’s difficult to find hope when there seems to be nothing good to look for. Frankly, it can be really easy to get angry with God when we are in the middle of a trial. The reality is that we were set up for this. Romans 8:20-21 tells us that “the creature was made subject to vanity.” We’ve been set up to fail and be frustrated whenever we trust in ourselves to get out of pain and suffering. This isn’t pessimism. It’s reality. Jesus never one time apologized for this or attempted to explain it away. Jesus clearly stated that there would indeed be trouble in this world (John 16:33).

Jesus expressed his prayer for you as you face this pain and suffering in John 17:15-18.
“I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.  As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.”

Clearly, Jesus heart for you was not that you would simply have a positive outlook on everything thrown your way. Jesus’ desire for you is not that you see yourself as strong and able to overcome everything that is thrown your way. Jesus want you to see that you are broken, needy, and desperate. He wants you to throw yourself on his graces; to run to him in the midst of your pain.

In the midst of your trial you must ask yourself, “am I trying to avoid pain at all costs?” Perhaps you are self medicating your pain by running to the pleasures of this world. Jesus’ prayer for you in the midst of your pain is that you surrender your heart to him. Don’t pretend everything is okay or deceive yourself into thinking you can fix it. Jesus want you to fall into his arms and trust completely in him. The level in which you are willing to wait for the Lord in pain and suffering is the level of joy and contentment you will experience in your walk with Him.

There is no reconciliation without brokenness. There is no hope without despair. Grace is hidden from those who refuse to admit they are sinners. Peace is concealed from those who live in unrest. There is no resurrection without death.

You have no power to comfort yourself. You have no hope to bring yourself out of despair. You must trust in the Lord in the midst of your trial. Fall into His arms of love. Rest in His goodness. Jesus is with you in your pain and suffering. 

Posted by Caleb