A reflection on suffering
“Suffering is never by accident, but by appointment. So prepare for it.” - John Onwuchekwa
This was one of the first statements out of the mouth of the special guest speaker for a regional Surge event I was attending. Suffering…..not the feel good subject matter most people are looking to learn about. Let me repeat the quote one more time just for added emphasis…. “Suffering is never by accident, but by appointment. So prepare for it.” While this is a hard, and true statement, I think it points out a somber reality to our existence we need to grapple with. None of us escape this life without the pain of suffering touching us, scaring us. So how are we to wrap our mind around this subject…I would like to give you just a few points Pastor Onwuchekwa shared. He used the text out of Mark 10:32-34 talking about Jesus’ prediction of his suffering, and how the disciples were afraid.“32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”Here are a few of the statements made on the passage, and implications for our life.
Planning Ahead: Jesus was out ahead of his disciples, they were following behind, afraid. Jesus took the time to prepare them, to plan ahead, by telling them what they would be experiencing. It’s important for us not to be surprised by suffering, maybe the type, but not by suffering. We all suffer.
Being Afraid: In this passage Jesus knows that his disciples are wresting with what is to come, and their emotions. Yet, he doesn’t rebuke them in this passage. Jesus accepts fearful followers.
Talking: It is imperative that we talk about pain, suffering, and death. It is actually healthy to do so. When we do not, we are trying to deny a reality that cannot be ignored. So talking about it normalizes it, gives a way for us to process and vent.
Looking Back: To often, in the desire for relief, we look exclusively to the end of the suffering, for the way out. This is natural, but in doing so we can often overlook the some of the great lessons and insights from the past leading up to the moment.
Remembering: This present suffering isn’t your destination. In this text, Jesus told his disciples of his suffering and death, but quickly told them of this resurrection and the new reality of his life.
Making Decisions: We need to be careful not to make present decisions based solely on what we are currently going through as if it is all there is. There is always a larger context to what we are experiencing.
Generosity in Tears: In our pain, in our suffering, in the moments where we can barely hold it together, it is important to be generous with our tears. Those around you need to see that you are going through something hard and difficult. If we never reveal to those around us our pain, how can they walk with us? Also, our vulnerability gives them permission to be vulnerable when they go through their own suffering in the future.
These are just a few of the take aways from Pastor John. May they give you something to think about as you consider the suffering that you are in, or that is coming. Be encouraged. This is the birthright of Jesus followers.