Dr. Hendricks is a household name in Christianity, and in his 50-plus years of ministry, he has directly or indirectly touched millions of lives. A faculty member of Dallas Theological Seminary since 1951, Dr. Hendricks sees the adult children of former students now attending his classes.

Born in 1924, and, despite his current challenge with cancer, today he still maintains a rigorous travel schedule and has ministered in over 80 countries through speaking engagements, radio, books, tapes, and films. He is also the former Bible teacher and chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys football team.

We have been mentored from afar by Howard Hendricks for at least two decades.  We would long for his teaching when we would vacation at Mount Hermon Christian Conference each summer when our daughters were growing up.  I had the privilege of serving on the board of directors of a non profit organization with Dr. Hendricks.

This morning Irene caught just a few minutes of Howard and Jeanne Hendricks’ story (they’ve been married for 60 years) captured on the “Day of Discovery” television program.  Jeanne was asked why people suffer.  Her response was very astute.  She responded that “as we age our suffering is intended to better prepare us to meet Jesus in eternity”.

Wow ….

It was a profound statement that deeply moved Irene.

Think about Jeanne’s perspective.  My humble adaptation ….?  As we grow older, if we know Jesus, our spirit is alive but our body decays.  Therefore, the suffering we experience is actually a planned event by God and, as a result of aging we are better prepared to meet God.  It is as though the aging process is yet another means that God uses to draw us unto Himself.

How do YOU view suffering?

Jeanne Hendricks’ comment is certainly worth a meditation.

Caminando con Fé

Dave