Grace for the Grumpy

As pastors often say, this message is for everyone. If you are going through a hard time, you will relate, if you are not, listen because in time you will. I believe that life is a gift from God. I believe in the idea that He can redeem all things, even the hard times. I believe that hard times, are still hard. Life is short, I am all for unwrapping the gift of each day and savoring the moments. On the other hand, I have not yet found a way to enjoy a root canal or a tragedy. What I look for in life altering events that bring pain and sadness is not a beachside moment but grace to endure. I may enjoy the beauty of sunsets when the storm is past, but for now I just need to get through the storm.
 

I need grace when the storm passes too, grace to remember that maybe all those grumpy people are not just grumpy, maybe they are in a lot of pain. The thing about pain is, it takes compassion to see it, and even more compassion to feel it. Suffering is a lonely place.

People ask “Why did Jesus have to suffer to redeem us?” I do not know but I am glad that He did. I am glad because when we suffer (which we will) it helps to feel compassion. Perhaps the best thing we can do for those who are suffering is to love them by entering into their pain as Jesus did. Perhaps the best thing we can do in our suffering is to let Jesus into the middle of it.

Why God allows suffering and how he chooses to redeem it is up to Him. Whether or not we allow Him into our suffering is up to us. Sometimes He uses suffering to grow our desire for Him and for His Everlasting Kingdom where there will be no more suffering. Seldom do we long for Heaven on a bright and sunny made-to-order day, on those days we are planning tomorrow which we assume will bring more of the same. Sometimes tomorrow comes and it is not so bright and sunny. Even so, there is more to the hard days than waiting for the sun to shine again.  Each day God gives is a day of grace, and every moment a moment for taking it.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”Hebrews 4:15 (ESV)