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Pain Beyond Understanding
Devotional for Tuesday, March 30, 1999 by Reigh Eldridge
1 Corinthians 2:13-14 - So then, we do not speak in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, as we explain spiritual truths to those who have the Spirit. But the man who does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from God's Spirit. He really does not understand them; they are nonsense to him, because their value can be judged only on a spiritual basis. (GNB)This week my wife and I lost a dear friend through death from cancer. She died painfully, struggling to the very end. It is so easy to ask, "How can this happen? Why? Why?" If we try to find a solution through human intelligence the answer continues to escape us. The answer can never be made to look sensible to those who judge things only by the standards of this world. At the heart of the answer is a concept that fallen human nature cannot cope with. "Happy are those that mourn." "Love your enemies." "Fear not those that kill the body." Who can understand this language using human intelligence? The answer finds its fulfilment at Calvary where ultimate suffering occurred when our Lord Jesus was willing to endure not only the physical pain, but the pain beyond any human understanding, separation from God the Father so that you and I could be restored to abundant life in His Kingdom. Surely He feels our pain more than we can ever know.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, sometimes it is so difficult to understand the pain and suffering of those we love. We praise and thank you that you have been there before us in a way that is deeper than human understanding. Thank you that you love each of us so much that you gave the best that you have. Thank you that your peace is deep and like a warm glow that starts in our very soul, lifting us above the pain and suffering of this world. Amen.
Reigh Eldridge <rmeld@nbnet.nb.ca>
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
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Today's Music:
Alas! And Did My Saviour Bleed?.