Something to ponder

So today at church we listen to a message about suffering and what could possibly be the reason for it. There were members of the congregation that shared their stories of being struck with cancer and the emotions that were swirling through their minds through that time. We looked at various principles found in the bible of the purposes of suffering. Having just finished reading the book of Job myself, I thought this was pretty good timing. One couple said that they had just finished having a discussion of how blessed they were and how God had only poured blessing on them so far, and hadn't really ever tested them- days later she found out she had breast cancer and it had spread to her lymph nodes. Ironic? Definitely. Coincidence? Probably not. Purposeful? of course. She said that this has given her a new joy, a new passion for life, and a new reason to share her faith. Of course, not everyone experiences healing, and for those that do not, what is the purpose then? Obviously this wouldn't fall into the category of displaying God's power and glory- if there is no miraculous healing it isn't much a display of the almighty power of God. Some die in tragic circumstances or after bouts of suffering. I found it odd that each of the four "stricken" members of this panel were all dealt the cancer card, and were all healed. What about those that are not healed? What about those that die and the ones they leave behind?
Suffering is an interesting phenomena. I truly believe that it is purposeful, and that God can use it for his purposes if we will allow him to do so. Why would God choose to allow someone to be stuck with a constant thorn in their side? Think of all the life lessons that could come from that.
The service ended with the story of the writer of the song "It is well with my soul". His only son had just died. He and his wife and 4 girls were to go to England for a trip. He got caught on business, so the wife and girls went ahead. The boat was struck by an iron liner and sank in minutes. Only the wife survived. She sent word to him, and immediately he traveled to England to bring her home. On the way there, he wrote this song. The song filled the sanctuary and I held back the watery eyes. It is amazing what God can do if you let him. To go through such suffering and still sing praise. On the other hand- if you are not a believer, how could you ever get through? Interesting things to ponder on this oddly dreary day.
We then proceeded to Home Depot where Josiah squealed "PIZZA!" at every box of floor tile we passed. I guess anything that comes in a flat cardboard box is now pizza and this is very exciting. A constant reminder of God's power right there in that squealing miracle of ours.