Life Is A Beach

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1 Peter 4:19

“USA Today” has been running a series of articles on Florida beaches. They described Anastasia State Park near St. Augustine as one of the most tranquil beaches in the state. It is laid-back, quiet, and low key.

Sounds good to me. I like being in a calm environment. However, real life is not always like that. All too often, it is more like being at Pearl Harbor on December 7 with bombs and bullets exploding around us.

Take the experience of my friend “Lucy”. We met several years ago at a women’s Bible study. Lucy was a teacher who attended during summer vacation. I looked forward to seeing her each June.

Then the summer came when Lucy arrived in a wheelchair. After greeting her, I asked what was going on. She bravely explained while she was having a medical procedure, something went wrong, and her legs were paralyzed.

Fighting tears, she pointed down at the wheel chair and said, “This is my life from now on.”  Her relatively tranquil existence had been shattered. Bombs and bullets. My heart hurt for what Lucy was suffering.

Christian suffering is a thorny subject. I certainly don’t have all the answers to it. However, Scripture gives us some insight. First, the Bible teaches that while God doesn’t cause all suffering, he does allow it. Next, and here’s the good part, God allows suffering for our ultimate benefit.

Roman 8:28-29 put it this way: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…

So, as I understand it, suffering is neither random nor senseless. It’s part of God’s plan for us. If we remain loyal to him and face suffering with faith, the experience will develop godly character in us. As 1 Peter 4:19 says, So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

I love the days when life is a tranquil beach. Yet I realize the “bombs and bullets” days can make me more like Jesus and bring glory to God.

Carol