A thought on suffering

Amy Carmichael writes, "Jesus, You suffered not that we might not suffer, but that when we suffer, we might become like You." (1868-1951)

Amy's words are a reminder to all believers, that suffering is a part of our existence, and that our personal suffering is not always to be seen as "God's abandonment." 

Is it not interesting to consider my sufferings as part of becoming more like Christ? Usually, I am happy to receive the blessings as a sign of being part of God's kingdom, but I am not always so keen for the suffering that comes with. 

Romans 8:17 - And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

Living in Grace

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Broken hearts are everywhere

Irish Missionary, Amy Carmichael undertook a very serious calling to serve in the poor communities of India. She founded the Dohnavur Fellowship, which sought to rescue young girls from being enslaved in forced prostitution. One can only imagine some of the things that she saw in her ministry:

She wrote these words: "Broken hearts are everywhere. Bereavement is a very dark forest.”

Later on in life, when she faced her own pain and grief, she wrote:

“Look up to the light that pours into the forest from high above the trees. The long, pure rays of that conquering light are interwoven with the tall stems of the trees, even as threads bright and dark are interwoven with in the web of our lives.”

 These are such compelling words for us, especially when we find ourselves in dark places, or that we sense the "trees" closing in on us. Let us remember: 

“The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.” – Psalm 18:28

Living in Grace

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Walking through a dark forest

Amy Carmichael describes her struggles as if she was wandering in a dark wood (forest). Later on, in her life, when she was struggling with her own health, she wrote these beautiful words:

"Look up to the light that pours into the wood from high above the trees. The long, pure rays of that conquering light are interwoven with the tall stems of the trees, even as threads bright and dark are interwoven in the web of our lives."

She then wrote these next words as a form of a prayer: "Look above the treetops, O my soul; from thence flow the foundations of light. See how that blessed light streams through the wood."

Her thoughts made me think of Psalm 121 again. These are such encouraging words for us.

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore." - Psalm 121

Living in Grace

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Not Far

"It is not far to go
for you are near.
It is not far to go,
for you are here.
And not by travelling, Lord,
men come to you,
but by way of love,
and we love you." - Amy Carmichael

Acts 17:27 - "God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us."

Living in Grace
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