Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering,
as though something strange were happening to you.
1 PETER 4:12

I am a planner and I don’t like surprises. So when Dave and I were taken by surprise by our season of suffering, we felt blindsided. Our faith was challenged and it sent us reeling spiritually.

To complicate matters worse, many well-meaning Christians tried to encourage us by telling us that it was not God’s Will for Christians to suffer. I remember thinking then why are we suffering – are we not truly Christians?

Even though I had solid Bible teaching and had learned a lot on my journey of faith, I had not addressed the issue of suffering and the Christian. So I turned to the Word of God to see what God had to say. And I found these encouraging words of Jesus –

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. JOHN 16:33 (NLT)

I found so much hope and promise in this scripture. Even though I did not like learning that Christians will have trials and sorrows on this earth (no suffer-free passes for Christians), I did like being warned in advance so I would be prepared somewhat when they did come.

Jesus was warning his disciples (and us) that there would be trials ahead so they (we) would not be taken by surprise as if something strange were happening to them (us). He was preparing us for what was ahead.

Secondly, by being forewarned and trusting Jesus to lead us through, we can experience peace in the midst of our trials. We are assured by Jesus to not lose heart because He has overcome the world.

I leave you with the following verse to reflect on and rejoice in its promise. He will overcome!
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them.
They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
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.”
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
REVELATION 21:3-5

On the journey with you,
Jan Dravecky

Hope, Pain, The Search for Answers, Trust, Words of Endurance

The Question~Why?

By connie on

October 17, 2011

- Hope, Pain, The Search for Answers, Trust, Words of Endurance

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
s0 far from the words of my groaning?
PSALM 22:1 (WORDS OF KING DAVID)

For many of us, as well as with King David, the pain and suffering of life draws the nagging question why? out into the open.

Few of us ask many questions when life is going well. But when life doesn’t go the way we think it should, when a tragedy befalls us or our loved ones, or when we can’t make sense out of what is happening, the question why? often pops to the surface.

That was how it was for Dave and I. Our life was going great – almost like a fairy tale. We were young and healthy – we were growing in our faith – we were happily married – we had two beautiful children – Dave’s baseball career was successful.

And then from what seemed out of nowhere …

Wham!!! Dave is diagnosed with cancer – the loss of physical health and career.

Wham!!! I experience a debilitating depression in the midst of Dave’s battle– loss of emotional health – unable to fulfill my duty as a wife, mother, and caregiver.

We felt blindsided… and I asked God … why?

Have you felt blindsided on your journey? Are you asking God why? Then join me on a journey into God’s Word in search for the answer to the question … why?

I found truths in the pages of the Bible that brought peace to my questioning mind and set me free. Over the next several weeks, together, I will be sharing those truths with you.

I leave you with the following Scripture – a prayer of the ever-questioning King David – please make it your prayer.
Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
PSALM 25:4-5 (WORDS OF KING DAVID)

On the journey with you,
Jan Dravecky

Hope, Pain, The Search for Answers, Words of Endurance

Is Suffering Part of the Christian’s Life?

Hope, Pain, The Search for Answers, Trust, Words of Endurance

The Question~Why?

Useful Links

Connect

Dravecky Fan Corner