Thankful that Our Lord Walks With Us Through the Trials of Life

On December 8, my personal devotions included readings from Amos 8, Revelation 2, and Matthew 23, verses which talked about struggles which God’s people face. Some of life’s trials occur because we live in a sinful world. But, these Scripture lessons also pointed out that some of the struggles God’s people face we bring on ourselves through selfish, rebellious, or sinful behavior. Also included in the devotion was a reading from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s “Letters from Prison” which struck me. I, therefore, saved this thought to share with you. I had no idea how these thoughts might also apply to me and my family in quick order. In his writing Bonhoeffer wrote, “We have to learn that personal suffering is a more effective key, a more rewarding principle for exploring the world in thought and action than personal good fortune.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison; For All the Saints, Volume III, pages 41-42) Please remember, Bonhoeffer wrote these words while in the Dachau concentration camp where he died under Adolf Hitler.

Pastors have the call and the opportunity to stand beside the children of God as they go through the trials of life. We seek to be present with the Lord’s love when people are hurting and suffering, and as they are asking “Why?” Often pastors do not have answers about “Why?”. All we know is that our heavenly Father has loved us in Jesus and that He is with us. Pastors try to share comfort and strengthen the people of God through these painful times, especially remembering the forgiveness and salvation God won for us in the dying and rising of Jesus. Sometimes our efforts seem feeble, but we trust God’s eternal wisdom and love. I know I seek to trust Him.

The truth is that pastors and church workers also experience the trials of life. We also ask, “Why?” We seek faith to trust God’s wisdom and power and love when life seems crazy. Pastors are not above the fray of life, but are fellow sinners, also needing God’s saving love in Jesus, along with other children of God,

The following Scripture verses which St. Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome remind me of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s words. 3 . . . we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:3-5) So, suffering teaches us lessons. Life’s tribulations help us to grow. Primarily we are taught that our real treasure and our real goal is God’s love, which we find perfected in heaven. But, do you, do I, really rejoice when we face trial and pain? I want to grow, but I’m not sure I want the tribulation it takes to grow, no matter what Bonhoeffer wrote.