death
Discovering Purpose in Suffering
God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters. — J.H. Jowett
Sometimes finding God’s purpose in the midst of adversity requires us to make major personal changes over a period of time. At other times, our God-given purpose may be right in front of us. To discover it, we simply need to open our hearts to God’s leading and lift our eyes to opportunities we could easily overlook.
I’ll never forget the first time I talked with Bob Reno. Bob and Inez, his wife of 51 years, were both devout Christians and cancer survivors. Bob was blind from diabetes, and throat cancer had recently taken away his voice, his occupation, and his calling. A veteran of 35 years in music ministry, Bob seriously questioned God’s ability to use him now that he couldn’t see or speak.
Bob was struggling to find purpose in his life. He jokingly mentioned that he offered to drive the church bus but the church had declined! He obviously hadn’t lost his sense of humor, but despite his best efforts he couldn’t completely hide his frustration and feelings of uselessness.
At that time, the Outreach of Hope (a ministry founded by Dave Dravecky) had a special ministry that perfectly suited Bob Reno. Our Prayer Warriors would “adopt” a cancer patient and his or her family for a minimum of one year. The Prayer Warrior would pray for the family daily and as special needs arose. No sight or voice was required. All that was needed was a heart for God, a commitment to pray, and an understanding of the prayer needs of hurting people. Bob and his wife Inez were perfect candidates. When I explained the ministry to them, Bob could barely contain his excitement. He and Inez served as faithful Outreach of Hope Prayer Warriors for six years, until they each left this life to be with Jesus.
Beverly Thomas could easily have expressed similar frustrations and feelings of uselessness. Diagnosed with cancer while pregnant with her fifth child, Beverly spent six years in chemotherapy. One of the things that amazed me about Beverly is that she didn’t view the hours spent in chemo as a useless waste of time. Instead, she viewed that time as her mission field, her assignment. She felt called to be “like a bright light sent from Jesus into the dark world of cancer.” So she took copies of The Encourager magazine (published by Outreach of Hope) with her to pass out to fellow chemo recipients. She befriended them, prayed for them, and stayed in touch with them after chemo.
A mother of five children who is on long-term chemo doesn’t have an easy life, but Beverly worked hard to steer clear of self-pity. She chose daily (and sometimes hourly) to be used by God, no matter where, no matter what. Like so many others who have battled serious illness, she discovered that when you focus your energy on other people and allow yourself to be a conduit for God’s mercy and kindness, self-pity is washed away and replaced by purpose.
Beverly believes that regardless of our abilities or our limitations, as long as we are still drawing breath, God has a purpose for us here on earth. When we’re suffering, we may have to adjust our thinking to find our purpose because it may be unlike anything we have done before. Like Bob and Beverly, we may find that our purpose is right in front of us — to provide comfort that will help others in their affliction. Whether that comfort comes from our prayers, phone calls, or our heartfelt compassion, the only requirement is a willing heart.
Reprinted with permission from the Winter/Spring 2003 issue of The Encourager magazine, a publication of Dave Dravecky's Outreach of Hope.
Kim Jones writes for The Encourager, a publication of Outreach of Hope Ministries. The mission of Outreach of Hope is to serve suffering people, especially those with cancer and amputation by offering resources for encouragement, comfort and hope through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To learn more about Outreach of Hope, visit their Web site at www.outreachofhope.org.
Background Information
When Grief Doesn't End
Despair can halt the natural and healthy process of grieving.
What Not to Say
Sometimes even people with good intentions say the most hurtful things.
Questions and Answers
Leslie's husband died a few years ago. Despite her tremendous abilities Leslie struggles with low self-esteem. How can she improve her self-esteem and make sure her daughters grow up valuing themselves?
Answer
What can we do to help those who are grieving?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Eliana Joy
When Eliana Joy died from severe brain abnormalities, her parents faced the toughest test they'd ever faced.
Suffering Toward God
Facing their daughter's death forces one couple to answer life's hardest questions.
You Never Get All the Answers
A couple touched by suicide shares their walk through grief.
God's Teacher
One person finds a new beginning after a tragic church retreat.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
A Spiritual RX for Healthy Mind and Body
A new study of bereaved spouses shows a significant link between religious faith and the ability to heal after a loss. It's just one more confirmation of the faith/health connection.
Why Did God Let This Happen to Me?
Sometimes it's hard to understand why God allows pain.
Related Topics
Life Pressures: Working Moms, Stay-at-Home Moms
Relationships: Blended Families, Divorce, Parents and Adult Children, Caring for Elderly Parents
