131 – Kirri – “Why am I so heavily afflicted?”
“Hi Michael, for years I have seen your videos, and your name popped up in my head regarding asking this question. I have been homeless for nearly 2 years living at my in-laws house. That’s been a challenge. I help with the house of course, mow the lawns, etc. My husband and I even made a kitchen outside so we could make it less intrusive for them, so I’ve cooked outside. There have been comments made about my children etc. I home school as well. My husband said we are staying to save and buy a home of our own, but the pressure is mounting. My son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. My other son has delayed language development, and my daughter has ADD. I’ve been trying to keep peace between everyone, but I feel so alone. I’m so tired Michael. I read scripture with my kids, pray with them, and read the Bible and apply it. I’m just trying to make sense of it all … why am I so heavily afflicted?
I also feel like I don’t belong in part of a small church I volunteer for, and so does my husband. I’m thinking you must have some intuition on this or insight.
Would you be able to help me with this?
Kind warm regards
Kirri”
Is Your Christianity Biblical? The Surprising Role of Suffering
Are you facing a very trying situation like sister Kirri? A decision that brings discomfort and uncertainty? As Christians, we often seek a life free from pain, but the Bible paints a different picture. Suffering, it tells us, is not an anomaly but a vital and expected part of our journey.
In 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, Paul writes, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." These words remind us that as followers of Christ, we will face hardship, but we are not alone. God's grace sustains us through the trials, revealing the life of Jesus within us.
Consider the example of George Müller, a man known for his unwavering faith. He taught the importance of surrendering our own will to God's, placing ourselves in a position of complete dependence on Him. This act of surrender allows us to embrace God's plan, even when it involves suffering. As Lisa shared, when we know a difficult path is from God, it becomes easier to "drink from that cup" and persevere, knowing He has our back and a purpose.
Samuel Rutherford, in his letters to those enduring hardship, offered no promise of earthly relief. His focus remained on the eternal hope we have in Christ. He understood that this life is a wilderness journey, a time of preparation for the glory to come. This perspective shifts our focus from long term comforts here, to the eternal weight of glory awaiting us.
Suffering is not something to be avoided at all costs. It is a refining fire, purifying our faith and proving its genuineness. It is through hardship that we learn to depend on God, to cry out to Him for help and receive His grace. Embrace the trials, for they are opportunities to die to self and receive His resurrection life. As Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). This is the path to true life, the path that leads to eternal bliss.
