Monday Morning Prayer: The weight of suffering
A Thought
I don’t think I’ll ever “love” the story of Job. To lose so much and still choose God if that isn’t faith, I don’t know what is. Life sometimes deals us hands that are heavy, even unbearable. But the truth is, we do not live in suffering; we go through it. Though it presses on us, we carry it like our own cross.
Tim Keller says it well: “Suffering is unbearable if you aren’t certain that God is for you and with you.”
Every season, if we’re wise, is a season to walk with God—because doing this life thing alone is torture. I was at the gym today, doing walking lunges, and decided to add weight. At first, I managed, but eventually the load became too heavy. I had to lay it down—and then I was able to continue.
That’s the point: we are not meant to stay overloaded by life. Jesus suffered, yes, but he did not carry his cross forever, only for a season.
I don’t know what you are walking from, to, or through, but I pray that the weight you carry is never one you choose to bear without God.
A lesson from the story of Job: Job was a man devoted to God. He lost all his children, yet he still chose to walk with God. The pain of such a loss stayed with him, but the grace in his story is remarkable—he lived 140 years afterward, witnessing four generations of his children and grandchildren. “Then he died, an old man who had lived a long, full life.” – Job 42:16
A full life. The pain we face can be used by God to shape and mould us, yet we can still experience a life filled with life. May the journey you walk never blind you to the God who not only lives but sees you and loves you.
A Scripture Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
A Prayer
Lord, I am always carried by you, always you see me, even when life blinds you from me. I trust that you are with me. As I continue to walk open my eyes that I may see you. In Jesus’ name. Amen
See you next week, Monday…
Until then, be KIND.
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