It may seem like God's Word speaks a lot about adversity and suffering. It does. Think about it. What do we relate more to, someone's story of perfection or pain? Repeatedly we are told that in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33), and when we realize that we are not the only ones facing hard times, it helps us identify and empathize with those walking roads of affliction.
The passage above confirms that some adversity and suffering comes directly from the Lord. We may question why a good and loving God sends heartache into our lives. Most of us want to avoid any trial. Yet, as I ponder this truth, I notice something I had not seen previously. This adversity and suffering are for our nourishment.
Nourishment is defined as the substance that is necessary for growth and health. Nourishment provides what is needed for our development. Just as physical food strengthens our body, spiritual food builds up our inner being and draws us closer to God. Adversity and suffering are served to us as "food" and "drink", in varying portions, to reinforce our faith, giving us opportunity to trust the Lord.
Next, God immediately tells us two incredible truths that accompany this "meal": He will still be with us, and He will teach us. The "serving size" of difficulty He has given, presses us in closer to His presence and also provides a means of instruction.
Just recently while working on an assignment for a Bible study I was preparing, a question asked us to consider any tragedies that had marked our lives or those of our family. What was remarkable to me as I reflected over the suffering that has touched my life, each unwanted trial had transitioned from tragedy to triumph. Yes, they would each still be counted as calamity, but I was not a casualty to them; they had been redeemed through the gracious hand of God. His with-ness in them and witness of Him opened my eyes to see Him and my ears to hear Him in clearer ways. Job. centuries ago, expressed a similar sentiment after the horrendous disasters that touched his life. Job concludes, "I had only heard about You before, but now I have seen You with my own eyes." (Job 42:5)
Suffering and adversity are the paths that take us from knowing God to experiencing God. From belief to trust. The Lord opens our eyes and releases our ears to see and hear Him. Our desperation for our Heavenly Father increases and we lean in closer and hang our dependence on His every word. He brings direction to our footsteps on the wilderness trail we are walking, and evidences of His presence and provision become the God-stories that would not have been written without the crisis that caused our pain.
In the same study I referenced above, the following question was asked: "Have you ever had a deep spiritual encounter with God? Take a moment and describe your sacred place." As I filled the space provided with example after example of God making His presence known to me, again I noticed a pattern. Each encounter was often in response to a desperate need. Time and time again the affliction transitioned into a breathtaking "burning bush", a sacred place where I met with God and He revealed Himself to me. His voice assured me, "This is the way you should go."
Don't fear the road of suffering. It is the road He chooses and uses. A "sacred place" is not likely an easy chair. We need to be thankful for the seasons of blessing and beauty when they come, but don't despise and reject the tools God more often uses to draw us into deep intimacy with Him. They are necessary nourishment for our spiritual growth.
Bible Study: "Through the Desert: A Study on God's Faithfulness"; Dr. Lina Abujamra; Esther Press; copyright 2023
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