Do we glean more understanding from suffering than not? Can we actually gain through loss? Should we desire suffering in order to know God more intimately?
Paul shares his insight into these questions with these comments ….
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death ….
Philippians 3:7-10
As followers of Christ it’s so much easier to focus on the first part of verse 10, “…. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection” …. and intentionally overlook or ignore the second part of that verse …. “…. and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death ….”
Most of us are risk and pain averse. I don’t wonder why …. because suffering sounds so …. awful and painful!! Who would intentionally CHOOSE suffering in order to grow and know someone better? What’s astounding is that Paul actually does …. he DESIRES “…. to know Christ …. and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death ….”
As Irene has shared in the “fellowship of Christ’s suffering” with Amyloid she has come to know Him more intimately and EXPONENTIALLY. In fact, the same is true for me, even though admittedly I have not endured anything close to the degree of Irene’s pain and distress. I have, however, been pretty close to her along the journey! What I can share from personal experience is that the words in The WORD literally JUMP OFF THE PAGE at new dimensions for both of us.
Insight, revelation and inspiration are appropriated into our lives at revolutionary levels. You may recognize our faces but we’re not the same people. There is more focus and clarity around our life purpose. Humbly, the magnitude, extent and capacity of our spiritual growth have been capricious and, candidly, beyond the explanation of meager words. Irene did not request nor choose this path, but her amazing and tender RESPONSE to all of this has allowed for new revelation and insight into God’s Word and His faithfulness, His loving character and the peace that surpasses all understanding. The presence and manifestation of His Spirit are in our midst. He is REAL. And, despite her suffering, Irene discovers every day that Jesus truly is the “God of all comfort”. Her love for Him grows moment by moment.
Irene’s nausea was particularly poignant today (though we don’t really know why) but it did not dissuade her from taking a short stroll on the Rio Del Mar beach. The lethargy was only overcome by her resolve to do something today! She did, later, however, take a nap. After that, we took a drive along the oceanfront (I was driving!!!). We know that the chemotherapy and amyloid are the culprits of the chronic nausea and continue to hope that the amyloid is entering remission but we won’t know for quite some time. We are acutely aware that the amyloid has also invaded her liver and intestinal tract. The high blood pressure she’s experiencing is hopefully under control with medication. And, we await the kidneys to “wake up”. Thank you for caring and for your continued intercessory prayer.
The suffering that Irene patiently endures serves to advance her personal knowledge of the Holy One. She intentionally embraces The WORD and His Purposes on this journey. It’s also been astonishing to see my own capacity significantly enlarged through this “real time” encounter.
He is faithful and we, as one, glorify His Name.
Caminando con Fé
Dave
