Philip Yancey in his book by Where is God When It Hurts tells the story of a friend who had cancer. Because of the treatments she was very sick and had extended stays in the hospital.
He tells of the visitors that came to see her. Her name was Claudia.
A Deacon - Surely something in your life must displease God. These things don’t just happen. It is God's Will.
A cheery church lady - brought flowers, sang, read happy Psalms. Whenever Claudia would mention her illness the cheerleader changed the subject, trying to confront the suffering with cheer and goodwill.
Another lady dropped by - Claudia mentioned what the deacon said, - the lady nearly exploded. “Sickness is never God’s will” Haven’t you read the Bible? The Devil stalks around like a roaring lion, but God will deliver you if you can muster enough faith to believe and be healed. Remember Claudia, faith can move mountains, and that includes Hodgkins disease. Simply name your promise, in faith and claim the victory.
Ÿ The next few mornings while undergoing treatment Claudia tried to “muster faith”
The most spiritual woman in the church - Claudia, you need to come to the place where you can say, “God I love you for making me suffer like this. It is your will, and you know what’s best for me.”
The pastor - “Claudia you have been appointed to suffer for Christ, and he will reward you. God chose you because of your strength and integrity, just as he chose Job, and he is using you as an example to others. You should feel privileged, not bitter. What we see as adversity, God sees as opportunity.
When we are suffering we hear a lot of different advice and scripture
People are well meaning
I know from too much experience - I don’t know what to say.
I have one last story I want to share with you
Silent Answers
Once a young couple lost their only child, a beautiful three-year-old daughter, as a result of a freak accident. Unable to justify this tragedy with their concept of a loving God, they went to their minister for help. "Why?" they asked. "It was God's will," the preacher told them.
The couple just couldn't accept that the passing of their little daughter could somehow serve God's will, and they sought out another preacher friend. He quoted yards of Scripture, trying to give them comfort, but his verses fell on deaf ears.
Finally, the young couple turned to a frail elderly woman in their church. Surely, she could give them a reason for the child's death, but the old woman didn't utter a single word. Instead, she tenderly wrapped her arms around the heartbroken couple's shoulders, and together they cried the hurt away.
Sometimes when theological answers are not easy to the complex misfortunes of life, perhaps we just need to hush our babblings. Sometimes when answers aren't easy, our best statement is silent caring.
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