Philip Yancey" . . . I've yet to find Jesus saying to the afflicted, 'The reason you suffer from hemorrhage (or paralysis or leprosy) is that God is working to build your character.' Jesus did not lecture such people; he healed them."
The Question That Never Goes Away
I would love your thoughts on this one.
I don't remember the exact context of sermons, but I may have left church with the impression that the crises of my life were, indeed, for my character building. And it seemed that Romans 5: 3-4 provided further proof:
"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
So, part of me agreed with Yancey; a large part of me wanted to. But, there was still that verse . . .
I re-read Yancey's page a few times. He even mentioned Romans 5; but he did so from a different angle.
"When they wrote to believers who were unjustly persecuted for their faith, Paul, James, and Peter stressed suffering's redemptive value (emphasis mine).
I think I can deal with that. What seems to change is the origin of the struggle--the suffering. From one side, God causes the struggle to produce character. From the the other side, He uses the struggle for our good.
In the last two or three years, I've heard more and read more about the Christian Struggle. As strange as it sounds, I've been encouraged. I guess I have begun to take the pain less personally--less like God is picking on me.
While I reread and rethink Yancey's words, I ponder the change it makes in my relationship with God. Who I am more likely to approach? Who am I more likely to feel loved by? Who will I be more desirous of pleasing? I think the God of compassion and infinite understanding, rather than the one who causes pain to "teach me a lesson."
God, You are amazing and I am . . .
Utterly and Gratefully Dependent on You,
Lonnie
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