Responding to Suffering

I started reading a book by Jonathan Falwell entitled One Great Truth: Finding Your Answers to Life (New York: Howard Books, 2008). The book is a very candid examination of Jonathan’s struggles as he dealt with the death of his father, Jerry Falwell, and stepping into his father’s shoes as the Senior Pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church. Jonathan applies principles from the life of Joshua as he assumed Moses’ position. Jonathan leads the reader through a personal journey to what he calls “one great truth,” that we must rely on God to supply every need.

As I was reading through the book, I came across this quote concerning our response to the challenges we face:

Our response to these challenges is what defines us. We have a choice at these pivotal times in our lives: (1) we can retreat within ourselves and let grief overwhelm us and prevent us from feeling God’s tender touch, or (2) we can allow God to carry us to greater heights as a result of the suffering we experience. (page 48, One Great Truth)

I think that quote really encapsulates the issue of responding to suffering in our lives. Suffering will either drive us from God or to Him. How am I responding?

Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 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. (2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NKJV)