I Could Be Worse...Then Again...

It could be worse, couldn't it? No matter what you're going through, it could always get worse. It's funny how we comfort ourselves with that thought. We ease the pain we're going through by thinking about greater pain. There's only one problem with that way of thinking, however, and the problem is that it ignores the pain we're experiencing right now.

People usually approach pain/suffering/difficult circumstances one of two ways: they either suck it up and pretend their not hurting, or they wallow in it. I know... because I've done both. Obviously both responses are wrong from a Christian worldview. Job was an expert in wallowing until God gave him a talking to and brought him to his senses. Jonah was too, but we never see the result of that story. But what about the other side? What about pretending to be strong when we're not?

We live in a society that glorifies strength. Our society loves strong people, no matter how that portrays itself. Strong athletes, strong visionaries, strong leaders, strong thinkers, we love them all. With all the emphasis on strength, it's no wonder that being strong during the hard times in life seems like the best option. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps. Don't let people see your weakness. Be strong.

The Bible also talks about being strong. In 1 Corinthians 16:13 Paul writes to the church in Corinth, "Watch; Stand fast in the faith; Be brave; Be strong." The Bible talks about being strong in many other places, especially in the New Testament. We are to be strong Christians, no doubt. So what's wrong with approaching suffering like that?

The reason why I see a danger in pretending it doesn't hurt, or that it could be worse is this: It does hurt. I'm not concerned about the extent of the hurt, whether it be little or great. The truth is, whatever it is hurts, and it is a legitimate hurt. You don't need to excuse it or explain it away. I used to think I wasn't qualified to hurt because someone always had it worse. How could I be sad about losing a friend when people are being sold into slavery in southeast Asia? My hurt is just a drop in the bucket compared to their hurt! But God taught me and is teaching me that my hurt is just as real as their's. I shouldn't wallow in it, but I shouldn't ignore it either. God uses pain to teach us things we wouldn't learn otherwise, and if we ignore it then we are missing out on an opportunity to grow. I'll be the first to say this: I don't like pain. I would rather learn my lessons ANY OTHER WAY. When I am in a difficult situation I would like to say that I approach it with child-like trust in the God who controls everything, but usually I am kicking and screaming and trying to get out of it every way possible. It's true. Why is it so hard to trust a God who has proved himself faithful time and time again? Because it hurts. If it didn't, then where would trust come in? Who would need to trust God if everything was smooth sailing?

One last note before I close. I mentioned a verse and alluded to others that talk about being strong as Christians. We are to be strong, but not in our own strength. Our strength as Christians comes from the Holy Spirit. I'll end with some of my favorite verses, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:

"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Now that's the strength I'm talking about.