Pain and Suffering, Part 2 – Redemptive Prayer
“Old Woman in Her Sickbed” by Maria Wiik (1895-1896), Gosta Serlachius Fine Arts Foundation, Finland, Source/Photographer https://serlachius.fi/suunnittele-vierailusi/koululaisohjelmat/taidekoulu/miten-taideteos-syntyy/ (PD)
Pain and suffering frequently create a space in our lives, a pause. We may no longer be able – at least for the time being – to continue our normal pursuits. Without work or other usual activities to fill our days, we are left with time on our hands.
Redemptive Prayer
“No suffering [that we offer to Christ] is wasted! As clouds carry rain over mountains, So your patience with cancer, Your resignation to withered limbs, Rebounds to some soul in Ceylon And helps a missionary in Seoul.”
–Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, excerpt from “Complicity”
While we may feel helpless, useless on our sickbeds, this is a time in our lives we can be most productive. We can pray powerfully for loved ones (saved and unsaved), for the poor and disadvantaged, for missions, for the persecuted church, and countless other worthwhile causes – joining our suffering to Christ’s.
“Through prayer we can carry in our heart all human pain and sorrow, all conflicts and agonies, all torture and war, all hunger, loneliness and misery, not because of some great psychological or emotional capacity, but because God’s heart has become one with ours.”
–Henri Nouwen in “The Way of the Heart”
Our pain and suffering are not diminished by such prayers. But they become meaningful, and consequently more bearable.
Of course, if we have sufficient concentration, we can spend time in the Word. Not only is there great comfort to be found in Scripture. It strengthens our faith. The people who know their God can stand strong despite Satan’s opposition, whatever form it takes (Dan. 11: 32).
Empathy
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor. 1: 3-4).
Many of us have a tendency to self-isolate when we are in pain. We do not wish to be seen as weak. We do not wish to be dependent on others, to become a burden on them.
Ironically, pain and suffering will tend to increase our empathy for others. Pain and suffering work to enlarge our hearts. We can better understand and empathize with the pain of others, having experienced it ourselves.
We must not, therefore, isolate ourselves. Indeed, this may be a time for us to accept the kindness of others. That allows them to grow, as well.
Witness
“…always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you…” (1 Peter 3: 15).
This, also, creates opportunities for us to witness. Those who do not know Christ are likely to be astonished that we can find joy and peace in Him, despite our suffering.
This series will continue next week with Part 3 – Finality
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse
https://avoicereclaimed.com
A Lawyer's Prayers 
Personal suffering + reflection = empathy and authority in ministry: 2 Cor. 1:3-11. Thanks again, Anna.
My pleasure, Erroll. Be well.
Pain and suffering are doors to a deeper walk that we otherwise would not enjoy. Indeed, the cost of relationship with Christ can be very steep, yet I cannot imagine living my life apart from Him regardless of the cost.
So true 🙏 Even in pain, God gives purpose. Our prayers in those moments carry weight and bring comfort, strength, and hope. His Word and presence make suffering meaningful and bearable. Pain, something we are all too familiar with, becomes a place where His grace shines through.
I am reminded of Hebrews 5:7-8, that we follow in the footsteps of our Savior and share in the fellowship of His sufferings.
Exactly.