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Story 2 – Hope in Suffering
Measles has no mercy on the weak and malnourished. We learned this lesson very quickly when our community suffered a measles outbreak a few years ago. We gave out more bottles of paracetamol than one could count, trying desperately to keep fevers down in little bodies. But we did not save them all.
I remember standing in front of the child-sized casket. Only Mom, Dad and one other fit with me in the small room with the tiny box. Through my tears, I shared God’s word with the family and told them that Jesus understands their suffering. We all sought comfort, hope and even joy from God’s promises that day. Below is an excerpt from the funeral service for this 18-month-old boy.
“David was a child of joy. He loved to smile and to play. We can take comfort that David is in the hands of our loving God. There are two things that give me great hope to see David again in heaven. First, I know that David heard about Jesus in this house. Emily told me last week that David is in heaven with Jesus. I know that this is a house of faith and that the believing parents in this house teach their children the Good News about Jesus. Secondly, I trust that God is good and that the righteous judge of all the world will do right.
I believe that because God’s grace has given me faith in Jesus, that though my body will die, when Jesus returns, I will be resurrected to new life that will never spoil or fade. This is my living hope. When I get to heaven, I will see David smile again.
If you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior and follow Him as your Lord, this promise of new life is for you as well. If you have not yet believed in Jesus, today is the day of Salvation. Repent. Turn from your sins and believe in Jesus. Believe that Jesus became a man to save His people. Believe that Jesus lived a perfect life and while we were yet sinners, He died for us. Believe that God raised him from the dead on the third day, according to the Scriptures.”
Reflection Questions
How can we offer comfort to others in suffering?
What is the source of our comfort?
Why is it important to study God’s Word and build a theology of suffering before the suffering comes?
How does Jesus’ resurrection bring you joy?
About this Plan
Missionaries, pastors, and the average Christian will encounter suffering in their lives and the lives of those they love and serve. This devotion is designed to look at real-life stories illustrating how God uses suffering to teach, guide and mold us to be more like Jesus. By God’s grace, we can glorify God as we embrace suffering in our lives, knowing that Jesus willingly laid down His life for us.
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