When Faith Meets Adversity
Have you ever wondered why some people, despite their fervent prayers, continue to suffer? It’s a question that has haunted many, including myself. I’ve seen patients plead with God for miracles, only to face unrelenting hardship. What do we tell them?
A Personal Reflection
My own father’s battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (A.L.S.) left an indelible mark on my life. From a robust mechanic to a bedridden paralytic, his body was ravaged by the disease. Yet, his faith remained unshaken. It wasn’t what he said that inspired me, but rather what he didn’t say – no anger, no bitterness. Jack Lucado suffered with quiet dignity.
A Lasting Legacy
After his passing, a man approached me, crediting my father’s example as the reason he became a follower of Jesus. It made me ponder: did God allow my father’s illness to occur for that very purpose? Considering the value God places on a single soul, I wouldn’t be surprised.
The Refining Fire
As the apostle Peter wrote, “Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine.” (1Peter 1:6-7) My father’s faith was refined in the crucible of adversity, emerging stronger and more radiant than ever. And now, in the splendor of heaven, I’m certain he’s not complaining.
A Timeless Truth
In the face of suffering, we’re reminded that our faith is not measured by our circumstances, but by our response to them. May we, like my father, choose to suffer with dignity, trusting that God is orchestrating our trials for a greater purpose.
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