“He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” Isaiah 40:11
Reflect
I opened my tear-stained eyes and saw the sign hanging on the wall, directly in my line of sight: “It is well with my soul.” Blurry eyed, I stared at it, repeating it in my head. It is well. It is well. Oh God, help me believe it is well.
Sometimes it’s easier to say all is well in a trial’s beginning. But as reality sinks in and numbness wears off, it becomes a fight to bring our flesh into agreement with the Spirit. That’s when we must beg God, saying, “I know this is for my good, I know you know best, I know you are faithful. I believe, help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).
Eventually, our hearts will surrender to these beautiful truths in our suffering. And they will console us once more. But here in the death of a baby, a cancer diagnosis, or a broken marriage, is there a truth that brings comfort that reaches beyond the promise of sanctification?
Yes. Not just a truth, but the Truth (John 14:6).
Maybe suffering is equally about growth in Christ-likeness as well as God giving us the best gift he could give: more of himself. In our grief and suffering, we get more of Jesus.
Now that is a comforting thought as we bring the sorrows we face to the God who gives and takes away (Job 1:21). When he takes, he gives abundantly more than we could imagine. He gives something better—a treasure whose worth far exceeds all things. He gives himself.
Pray
Father, sorrow strikes the hearts of all Your people in various degrees. Help us to cling to You as we face hardship. Thank You that You give us more of yourself. Thank You for comforting us in our trials. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Your Turn
Look up the hymn “It Is Well” and worship your great God.
