Faith put through suffering comes out proved genuine.
Questions of Faith
Growing up in the 1970s, three biographies were a must-read for all Christian teenagers. 'The Cross and the Switchblade' and 'Run Baby Run' were centered on David Wilkerson's amazing work in the gang culture of New York City and the high-profile conversion of gang leader, Nicky Cruz.
However, the story that impacted the most was that of a young, athletic, 17-year-old girl who was disabled after fracturing her spine in a diving accident. To me, her battle was heroic. Her story caused me to ask deep questions about my own faith and God's character – questions I still wrestle with to this day.
Suffering will teach you who you are. We say we know Christ. The next time you suffer hard, you will find out how much you know Jesus!
Joni’s Story
Through the years, I have followed Joni’s journey. From wonderful highs to devastating lows, including cancer and more recently, chronic pain. Joni has said living as a quadriplegic is "a cakewalk" compared to living with chronic pain.
She recently released a short documentary following the publication of her new book ‘Songs of Suffering’. In it, Joni shares her story, how she reacted when she learned she would never walk again, and how she still finds the heartbeat of Christ within her daily struggle with chronic pain and quadriplegia.
Faith In Suffering
Too many people would have us believe suffering arrives at our door, or at least stays with us, because of a lack of faith. More faith, purer faith, and greater faith is the shield we are to use to deflect suffering as it would try to enter our lives.
This is at odds with the message the Apostle Peter communicates to the hard-pressed, first-century believers who were experiencing great suffering and hardship.
Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory. - 1 Peter 1:7
His message of comfort was not that faith is an escape from suffering, but that suffering proves the genuineness of their faith. And vitally, faith proved by suffering is never forgotten and will one day be displayed for all to see. Just as conquering armies held homecoming celebrations as proof of victory, on the day of all days, Jesus will put our faith on display, forged and proved genuine in the battle of suffering.
It would seem that God suggests that suffering proves faith is genuine and not that faith is lacking.
Songs of Suffering Joni Eareckson Tada
As an author, speaker, and advocate for people with disabilities, Joni Eareckson Tada has inspired people around the world with her story of faith in the midst of suffering. This beautiful collection of hymns with accompanying devotions and photography is designed to spark hope in hardship.
