A few thoughts about suffering and miracles

 

         I was listening to one of David Platt’s sermons from Acts last night, and I don’t remember all he said about this point exactly, but it really got me thinking. His sermon was about how the purpose of our lives as Christians is to advance the gospel to the ends of the earth. He talked about how God is Sovereign and uses every detail to advance that purpose. And it made me think of the seeming tension of God’s Will in our lives – does our suffering well advance the Gospel more than say a miraculous healing? 

         There are some miraculous healings today, but, I don’t hear about them here in the U.S. Some would say those signs are no longer part of ministry today, but I say those people need to spend time in countries where Christians are persecuted and they’ll hear some miraculous stories. But I understand at the same time skepticism over any “name it claim it” mentality. That quickly goes south into prosperity gospel, which we know is not the gospel at all, and has led many into the pit of hell.

         I guess… what I’ve wondered is, how long do you pray for the miracle? And if you stop praying for the miracle, does that show a lack of faith? Or… is it that an adjustment has been made in your vision, and you see your suffering as an opportunity to display the supreme value of Christ above any discomfort you encounter?

         I think of the people in my life who endure intense suffering. Now admittedly, some have more grace in their endurance than others. But, there’s something beautiful in their brokenness. You literally see their life poured out as an offering to the Lord. They are in a constant place of surrender.

         You hear stories about the person with cancer who goes through treatment, and as their doctor observes them over time and they share Christ with the doctor, eventually the doctor puts their faith in Christ as well, because they saw the difference He made in that believer’s life. So, it is true, suffering well points those around us to Christ.

         So… what is the greater miracle we should pray for, may be a better question. Do we pray for our healing, or do we pray for the aroma of our lives to draw people to Christ, whatever the cost? I’m thinking the latter needs to be our heart attitude. Don’t get me wrong, though, I’d never say stop praying for the miracle. I’d just say, open your eyes to see the greater picture of what the miracle might be.