Embrace the Suffering

Quote from Larry Crabb from his book, Inside Out.

"Many Christians manage to keep life moving along rather smoothly without looking deeply at the pain in their souls. And the ones who do take a look sometimes crumble under the weight of what they discover. Why, then take an inside look? If all it acheives is a greater awareness of unbelievable sorrow, why bother? Isn't it cruel to remind a desert traveler how parched his throat feels? Yes. If the only effect of becoming aware of our thirst is to heighten our misery, then it's stupid and wrong to look inside. On the other hand, if an awareness of our thirst is the beginning of  closer fellowship with God (at whose right hand are abundant pleasures), then it makes sense. It is worth whatever temporary pain is stirred up, no matter how untemporary and severe the pain might be."

What is your response to this? To me it gives meaning to the pain, disappointment, frustration, unmet needs, and fears we experience in this life used by God to funnel us deeper into Him and His love. So, go there.