Suffering Archives | Lynn H. Blackburn

When Others Have the Words

Lynn Blackburn — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 23:22:00 +0000

I sent my daughter to school on Monday with the sure knowledge that, should unspeakable evil threaten, the teachers and staff at her school would do everything humanly possible to protect her.

And more importantly, that my Abba remains sovereign over all.

But that doesn’t mean I’ve got a handle on this.

I’m no theologian. I’m a mom. A mom who cried through the news coverage on Friday afternoon and again Friday evening after my precious ones were tucked into their beds.

I’m a mom who Does.Not.Understand.

And unless your faith is about as deep as the icing on the sugar cookies you like to decorate each year, Friday’s horror should make you ask questions.

It is not a sign of weak faith to bury your face in your hands and ask God, “Why?”

The Bible tells us in James that, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him“. Besides, God knows we don’t understand, and faking it with Him makes about as much sense as going to Wal-mart on Christmas Eve.

That verse, interestingly enough, comes right after James tells us to count it all joy when we suffer. I think God knew we would struggle with this and wanted to make sure we knew we could always ask for help understanding the hard stuff.

Thankfully, there are some incredible, Godly people out there who have shone light into the darkness. They’ve asked the hard questions and the answers are powerful.

The following is a brief list of some of the posts that have spoken to my heart over the past few days. They range from poignant to theologically profound.

As we celebrate the first coming of our Savior, my heart is longing for the second.
Even so, come quickly.

Deeper with Jesus in Rhode Island ~ Goodbye Little Christmas Angels

The Write Conversation ~ Weekend Worship: Where Was God?

A Holy Experience ~ The Truth About Sandy Hook: Where is God When Bad Things Happen?

Radical ~ The Gospel and Newtown (this one’s longer than the others, but there’s some serious theology here)

If you’ve come across a post that spoke to you, feel free to share it in the comments.

Grace and peace,
Lynn

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Prayers for Addie Reese

Lynn Blackburn — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:48:00 +0000

I had something else planned for today, but it can wait.

Today, I would like to ask you to take the time you would normally spend reading this post to pray for Addie Reese and her family.

Addie Reese is the 7-year-old daughter of my friend Alexis. She fell from a tree on Saturday and cracked her skull. So far, all the scans have been promising, and she has spoken and even tried to sit up, but she has still not fully wakened. Whenever they back off of the sedation, she’s in so much pain they have to give her something that knocks her back out.

My mother’s heart is broken for my friend. I cannot imagine a harder path to walk than one that leaves you watching your own child suffer.

So please join me in praying for pain relief and full healing for Addie Reese. For comfort and a strong sense of God’s presence for Alexis and Nick and the entire family. And for wisdom and discernment for the doctors and nurses caring for Addie Reese.

Abba – I do not understand. But I know that You do. I know that You have experienced the agony of watching a child suffer and I know that You alone have the power to comfort, to speak peace to their hearts, to ease Addie Reese’s pain, to give clarity and insight to the physicians and nurses, and to bring something beautiful out of this. I do not understand, but I trust You.

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Count it all joy?

Lynn Blackburn — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:45:00 +0000

I joined a gym last week.

As I perused the group fitness schedule, I noticed a class called Intense Fit. My body said NO WAY but my brain pointed out that the handout specifically said the class was for “all levels” so it couldn’t be that bad.

My body is still ticked that my brain won that argument.

I knew trouble was brewing when the instructor sent us to run three laps as a warm up.

Three laps? As a warm up?

I got through the laps and found myself leaning against a wall with two people who looked like they’d been out for a leisurely stroll. (I was trying not to humiliate myself by gasping for air).

One says in a perky voice, “My butt was sore after last week’s class.” To which the other says, “Really? That’s great!”

Folks, they were dead serious.

I survived the first half of the class, albeit with a new and profound hatred of burpees, and as we transitioned to the upper body portion, the instructor congratulated me on hanging in there. She said I was doing great. (She was being kind, but I’m pretty sure she was wondering how long it would take the EMTs to arrive when I passed out).

As we neared the end of the class, the instructor commented that we were finishing a few minutes early. Some helpful person near the front said something, and next thing I know, we’re jumping around doing some sort of air jacks.

Well, some people were jumping.

I was doing an approximation of a hop.

And rebuking myself for the un-Christian thoughts I was having toward that lunatic who couldn’t keep her mouth shut.

I managed to stay upright as I left, although I did lean on the handrails as I eased down the stairs. Before I got to my car, the ache set in. By the next morning, I hurt in places I didn’t know I had.

The thing is, I know this is good for me. I’m packing an extra 50—and I don’t mean IQ points. Something’s gotta give—preferably my waistline.

While I can’t say (yet) that I’m enjoying the process, some of those people were. They were laughing. And smiling. They did everything the instructor asked—and sometimes did things to make it harder than it had to be.

Keep in mind, they don’t enjoy the pain . . . But they are joyful in the midst of it.

Why?

Because they believe the effort will produce results—the kind of results they are willing to suffer for a while in order to achieve.

It’s given me a new appreciation for what James is talking about when he says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

Some translations say “endurance” or “patience” instead of “steadfastness” but I kind of like “steadfastness.” As I wobbled out of the class, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to finish an hour of Intense Fit and stand strong, ready for another round.

When James says we should “count it all joy” it doesn’t mean “enjoy the agony”. It means that joy, in the middle of suffering, is possible. I’m not sure I’m there yet, but I think I see how it could happen.

You have to believe—to your very core—that what you are going through will produce a result and that the result will be worthwhile.

What’s the result?

James 1:4 ~ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (ESV)

That sounds nice.

This is even better.

James 1:12 ~ Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. (ESV)

You may be neck deep in a real life version of Intense Fit. You may have thought it was almost over, just to have someone crank up the heat. You may be staggering around in the aftermath of a brutal struggle.

If you listen, I believe you’ll hear God whispering, “You’re doing great, sweetheart. Hang in there. It’s worth it.”

I Peter 1:6-7 ~ In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (ESV)

I’d love to hear from you. Have you been there? Have you watched someone else live a life characterized by joy despite intense difficulties? Take a moment and encourage all of us in the comments!

Are you taking the Joy Dare with me? A thankful heart is a joyful heart!

March 19
3 Gifts Eaten: Birthday cake, breakfast casserole, a perfectly crisp apple
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Does God Care When We Suffer?

Lynn Blackburn — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:40:00 +0000

Last week, we asked a tough question…Does God care when we suffer?

Because He knows everything that is and was and will be, maybe He is able to view our suffering with a dispassionate air.

Maybe not.

Let’s dig a little deeper…

In John 9, we read the story of the man born blind. A man, Jesus tells us, who had endured a lifetime of suffering so God would be glorified.

Then John 11 opens with these words…”Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany…”

Do you know the story?

I know you think you do…but do you really?

From this and other accounts in the gospels, it’s clear that over the course of His ministry, Jesus had developed a bond with three siblings from Bethany—Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

So much so that when Lazarus became ill, the sisters sent word to Jesus. They didn’t say, “come” or “help”—they simply apprised Him of the situation.

“Lord, he whom you love is ill.”

When the message reached Jesus, did He drop everything and race to Bethany? No.

Did He heal from afar? I mean, we know He can. But no.

His response is eerily similar to what He said in Chapter 9. “It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

Here we go again. (I don’t know about you, but by this point, if I see God is going to be glorified through something, I’m pretty sure I’m not going to like it.)

The next verses…well…read them for yourself.

John 11:5-6 – Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed two days longer in the place where He was. (ESV)

WHAT?

He loved them…so He waited a few days?

Seriously?

Does that sound like love to you?

I know…I know…you already know how it ends.

But imagine if you didn’t.

Imagine if you were Lazarus. You know they’ve sent word to Jesus. But you hurt. You know Jesus can heal. And you know He loves you. He’ll make the pain go away. Right?

We don’t know how long Lazarus was ill. We do know that by the time Jesus decided to travel to Bethany, he was dead.

And by the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, he’d been dead for four days.

Imagine if you were Mary or Martha.

Your brother is dead. And you know the message got to Jesus in time. Imagine the turmoil in your heart as you grieve.

Finally, a murmur from the mourners. Jesus approaches.

When they see Him, both Mary and Martha say the same thing. “Lord, if you’d been here my brother wouldn’t have died.”

Some people find fault with them for this question.

I think those people haven’t used their imaginations, um, ever. It’s easy to be pious when you know what God is up to.

They did not know. Jesus hadn’t pulled them to the side and let them in on the plan. The disciples knew, but even they didn’t know what they knew.

What happens next is extraordinary.

Jesus sees Mary weeping. He sees the mourners weeping. And the Bible tells us that He was deeply moved in His spirit and troubled. And then…

Jesus wept.

Why? He was the only One there who had a clue! He knew Lazarus would be wrapping his sisters in a bear hug in about five minutes. What possible reason did He have to cry about anything?

Jesus told us in other parts of John that He did nothing but the will of the Father…that includes crying over the death of a friend.

When Jesus wept, He gave us a glimpse into the heart of our Father.

He wept over their suffering. Wept over their pain. Wept over their confusion. Wept over their fear.

He was fully God. And fully human.

He knows what it feels like to grieve.

When the current of life is raging and pulling you under, He feels your desperation. When death approaches, He understands your fear.

Yes, He sees the big picture. Yes, He’s in control. But He isn’t indifferent to your pain.

When you wonder if any of it matters to the Almighty, remember this…

God wept.

God knows.

God cares.

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Are you taking the Joy Dare with me? It’s not too late…it’s so worth it!

March 12
A gift in wind ~ Geese flying high and loud
A gift in water ~ A long, hot shower
A gift in white ~ Cream in my coffee…yum!

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When the Miraculous Becomes Mundane

Lynn Blackburn — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:30:00 +0000

When you grow up in church, it’s so easy for the stories of Jesus to become—well—boring. After so much repetition, we lose our sense of wonder.

The miraculous becomes mundane.

When the wedding runs out of wine, we aren’t concerned. We know Jesus makes great wine. When the crowds are hungry, we aren’t worried about them. We know Jesus is going to multiply the loaves and fishes. And when the storm is raging, we don’t get too fussed about the disciples. After all, we know Jesus is going to calm the sea.

But what if we didn’t know? Would we read the stories differently?

It’s with this awareness of my own tendency to be underwhelmed that I’ve approached the gospels in recent months. And there are a few chapters in the Gospel of John that I’ve seen with fresh eyes.

It begins in Chapter 9 with a blind man. As the story unfolds, we see the disciples ask Jesus, “Who sinned? This man, or his parents, that he was born blind?”

The answer is astonishing.

Jesus flat out tells them that no one sinned, but this guy had been born blind so the works of God might be displayed in him.

Nice story. Right?

Um…sure…unless you’re the guy who was born blind. The guy who’d been begging for who knows how long in order to survive. The guy who had no reason to believe anything would ever change.

Ever thought about it from his perspective?

You may not realize it, but you have.

When suffering enters our life, we don’t know what’s going on. We don’t know how long it will last. We don’t know how the story ends. We are hurting, and we have no reason to believe anything will ever change.

It’s easy, during the darkest nights, to wonder if God even cares. To question His love. To doubt his compassion.

As He reads our story, does He skim over the hard parts because He already knows how it’s going to end?

Or does He feel our fear, our pain, our grief?

I would contend that when God sees the valleys coming up in our story, He takes a deep breath and then He walks right into them with us.

It is miraculous. And it is never mundane.

Next Monday, we’ll explore why I believe this.

Until then, remember…you are never alone.

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The Joy Dare continues….I need to update my blog page, but in my personal journal I’ve counted over 400 gifts since November…join me?

Three gifts found…my favorite pen; a fabulous series by a great author; k-cups on clearance!

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Thoughtful Thursdays :: When God Weeps~Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty

Lynn Blackburn — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

I’m not a big fan of suffering.

I prefer to avoid it.

Completely.

And who would blame me? We live in a culture that values ease, peace, and prosperity above all else. Our own Declaration of Independence declares that we are endowed by our Creator with the right to the pursuit of happiness.

Now I’m a big fan of the Founding Fathers, but I’m not sure there’s a Biblical foundation for the right to pursue happiness.

Why would I say that? Well, I hate to have to point this out, but the Bible doesn’t promise us happiness on earth. Joy is ours, but happiness? I guess we can chase after it, and we’ll experience it from time to time.

But according to the Bible the one thing we can be sure of is that we will suffer.

A lot.

Did I mention that I’m not a big fan of suffering?

So what’s a good Christian girl to do when life throws a curve ball? When parents die too young? When babies are born too soon?

When life hurts?

When suffering moves from the theoretical to the “I don’t think I’ll survive this” phase, how do we respond? How do we make sense of the sovereignty of God when that same God doesn’t fix all our problems?

Wouldn’t a loving God make life easier for us?

How can He be sovereign and tolerate the Holocaust? How can He sit back while millions of babies are aborted?

Doesn’t He care?

These questions, and many others, are asked and answered in When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty by Joni Eareckson Tada and Steven Estes.

My Bible study group wrestled our way through this book a few months ago. It’s not an easy read. Not because the text is difficult or poorly written. On the contrary, some of the writing is quite beautiful and almost poetic in its description.

It’s challenging because when we start talking about suffering, we are forced to take a hard look at who God is and how God works.

As Joni says in the introduction, “When God Weeps is not so much about affliction as it is about the only One who can unlock sense out of suffering. It’s not why our afflictions matter to us (although they do), but why they matter to the Almighty.”

When God Weeps presents God as God. Not as a safe deity that never does things we don’t understand.

I asked a friend who read this book during a time of intense suffering if she would recommend it. She said yes. She also said there were times she wanted to throw it against a wall.

It’s that kind of book.

With real world examples and serious theology, Tada and Estes tackle the questions we ask when our world disintegrates and we’re left sitting in the ashes of our dreams.

If you really want to know why—as much as any of us can know this side of eternity—I would recommend When God Weeps.

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