Do you look forward to a better day in the future? Most of us do. My heart goes out to those who suffer. I have two loved ones who experience chronic pain for over twenty years: my son, who has Crohn’s disease, and my wife who has rheumatoid arthritis.
Most days are manageable, while other days can be challenging. Many of you have experienced the deep heartbreak that comes with suffering firsthand. It can feel helpless when you cannot ease someone’s pain, no matter how much you have prayed or how hard you have tried.
For some, suffering is physical; for others, it is relational or emotional. After teaching on the hope of heaven, I was encouraged by the reminders of God’s promises for those who follow Christ. There will come a day when there will be no more sorrow and no more pain. Rev.21:4
Bob Dylan wrote…
If not for you, my sky would fall; rain would gather too
Without your love, I’d be nowhere at all
Oh, what would I do if not for you?
If not for you, winter would have no spring
I couldn’t hear the robins sing
I just wouldn’t have a clue
Anyway, it wouldn’t ring true if not for you
Without love, I’d be nowhere at all. Many have said, along with Dylan, “Oh, what would I do if not for you?” Oh, what would you do if not for God?
Do you anticipate a day when you, a loved one, or a group of people will no longer have to suffer? Perhaps you or someone you know is discouraged and struggling to hold on to life. They may have lost hope and are considering giving up.
They try to hold on with everything they have, but their pain feels overwhelming. The many trials never seem to end; they continue to wear them down.
But in the midst of it all, there is a peace you and I can experience. On the night of His betrayal and arrest, Jesus promised His heartbroken disciples…
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Hold on to the promises that God brings…
Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. Psalm 119:49-50
But now, Lord, what do I hope for You? My hope is in only you. Psalm 39:7
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:1
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17
As Chris Tomlin wrote,
There’s a peace I’ve come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail, there’s an anchor for my soul
I can say “It is well.” There’s a day that’s drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
One day the burdens of this place will be no more. I look forward to it, do you?
If Not for YOU, God… How would you fill in the blank?