Purpose in Grief

Journey in Grief Post #3

Part of writing is consistently reading articles and considering views. The article link below gives some valuable insights in the concept of suffering. I’ve selected several quotes to consider. As the holiday season is near, perhaps you have an empty seat at the table and are missing a loved one. May God’s presence sustain us all in the dark moments of grief. Scripture passages are from Berean Standard Bible (BSB). Greek word studies are from Biblehub resources.

article of origin: “Why Jesus Doesn’t Always Stop Your Suffering” Christopher Whitmer

https://www.therebelution.com/blog/2018/02/why-jesus-doesnt-always-stop-your-suffering/

Quotes

What if our faithfulness, loyalty, and perseverance matter more than being successful?

“Yet, when everything else is stripped away and we still muster the courage–yes, through tears, struggle, and agony–to say “Jesus is all I need to be satisfied” the world takes note and the beauty of Christ is magnified.”

Chris Whitmer

Consider the possibility that God may allow sorrow in order for us to really know ourselves and Christ. Is our faith an academic, mental pursuit or a daily choice to follow Christ and become more like Him? Are we following Christ as He reveals Himself or how we desire Him to be?

Finding Yourself in Sorrow

The Truth of All Suffering

Isaiah 53, and Hebrews 2:9-10 as well as other passages depict Jesus as our Suffering Messiah

9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

10In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting for God, for whom and through whom all things exist, to make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.

Jesus is our Example. He understands our difficulties, sorrows, and works to bring us closer to our call to being more like Himself. God the Father, Jesus the Son, and Holy Spirit are at work in our lives through our losses and grief. Are you walking with them or facing this alone? That’s the most important question for those walking through grief.

What does perfection mean in the Bible?

https://www.gotquestions.org/perfection-in-the-Bible.html

Note that the author of Hebrews uses the Greek word teleiōsai. This word means perfection in the sense “to make perfect.” Jesus was perfect and sinless. Jesus’ obedience to God’s call to the cross and sacrifice completes God’s plan of redemption.

https://biblehub.com/greek/5048.htm

John and Luke use a similar form of this word in various passages. Paul also uses this word in Philippians 3:12. The idea is that a person is progressing toward being more like God in the spiritual journey.

Knowing purpose doesn’t make it easier

“There is incredible purpose in suffering. There is nobility and honor. It is through suffering that we are purified into shining nuggets of Gold and experience greater intimacy with Christ.

And it’s through pain and disappointment we can demonstrate to the world where true satisfaction and rest are found.

But knowing all this doesn’t necessarily take away the bite of sorrow. The burden of grief and pain is too much for us to bear, even in it’s nobility.”

Chris Whitmer

Grief is a process. It’s okay to struggle with the loss and wrestle with the difficult questions. It’s wise to seek Godly counsel and surround yourself with other believers during these seasons. God creates community for this reason, so that no one has to be alone.

The Other Side

Chris gives this testimony:

“But I do know, when Christ chooses to send me through suffering he never fails to bring me to the other side. And after I’ve “gone through the fire” I come out refined, like gold, and my relationship with Christ, deeper and stronger.”

God is bringing many to glory through Jesus! (Hebrews 10). This thought is comforting when we realize that there is a bigger picture and that we are being prepared for a purpose greater than our losses.

Final Quote

Jesus is the one bringing many sons to glory. The Creator became like His creation to save us (John 1:1–2, 14).

He suffered death so all who trust in Him never have to die (John 3:16). Jesus is the “pioneer” or “captain” (NKJV) or “founder” (ESV) of our salvation, providing the only way to be saved.

Where Adam failed, Jesus did not. Where Adam brought death, Jesus brings life. By His death and resurrection, Jesus leads the way and brings many sons to glory.

God’s desire is to bring many sons to glory.

Got Questions https://www.gotquestions.org/bringing-many-sons-to-glory.html

Suffering, grief, and loss aren’t the last words in God’s plan of redemption! Your journey matters! He sees your tears. Others see your courage, hope, and perseverance.

https://www.gotquestions.org/bringing-many-sons-to-glory.html

May God’s grace and mercy sustain us all in our journey to Him!

Walking through the valley of faith–generated on Night Cafe Studio