Why Suffering?

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  For the Anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 

"For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also well be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God."  Romans 8:18-21

"...the ultimate cause of all pain and suffering must be traced back to the Fall.  God's weal and woe are not arbitrary or capricious, but His determined response to man's sin.  The sovereign God who subjected creation to frustration still rules over it, pain and all.  The laws of genetics and disease are as much under His control as are the laws of meteorology."*

There is no easy answer to why there is pain and disease, why some suffer and others do not.  It is easily said that this entire question is complicated at best.  Although we do not know the reason for pain and suffering, we can know that, as His children, we never are in pain or suffer alone and that somehow, some mysterious way, He will work through, with and in our pain for His glory and our good.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PLEASE NOTE THE PRAYER UPDATES! AND THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFUL TO PRAY AND TO KEEP ME UPDATED ON GOD'S PROGRESS!  And for any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   Adrian's has gone quiet and this is a concern, please pray the Lord quiets his heart and gives him strength to endure whatever steps he now walks.  Give his doctors insight and sensitivity.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:  Please pray for Maedhros, who is having a serious operation soon.  Please pray for Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal.  Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.

Pray travelling mercies for Jay who is returning home this week.  Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care.  Give him energy, strength and resolve.  Bettina needs our prayers to give her strength and wisdom. 

Hans needs employment where he can make an honourable contribution and has applied for a role in a nearby town that could be a healthy step up for him, where he can use his skills.  Help those who receive his resume regard Hans seriously.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Elina has had two wonderful job interviews and thanks everyone for their prayers so far for her as she searches for work. 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Pray for my brother, Tim, that his COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease) is manageable for him and that he will have the patience and wisdom to cope with the limitations. 

Baby Saige faces a lifetime of surgeries, procedures and time in hospital.  Please pray for all those who care for her, especially her family.

Please pray for Deepak's wife recovering from treatment for stage-2 breast cancer.  Her chemo is over. 

David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration.  I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his return to the ministry.  For Nancy who is growing stronger and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments.  Patty, who lost her three year old daughter four years ago has sent a most amazing letter of thanksgiving.  She is not 100% but says she is around 85%. 

Prayer update......Scott is doing a little better, he is taking baby steps but he still needs lots of prayers for healing, and ability to think clearly,  he also needs prayers to focus on God which he is NOT doing right now.  He thinks he can do everything himself.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:   Sergio seeking new employment - is in Mexico City.  Paul NS had two special second interviews last week.  At one, the people were not ready and at the other, his sponsor resigned, pray God will grant him clarity, wisdom, hope and a victory.

Deepak needs prayer that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he works through the grief of his father passing.  He needs strength and resolve to make wise decisions.

For PJ that he may find projects to fill his needs.  Justin B and his father in India need prayer that Justin will find work in his field of BPO and voice in the Lord's perfect time. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways!

Elaine and Jim in Hong Kong have begun a new ministry.  Please pray the Father keeps guiding them in their work. 

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They lead the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines.  The financial needs are so great, please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above. 

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.  For David K, in his studies and Matthew K as he grows up.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  Pray for revival in the USA to continue.   Pray for Birgit who is in Germany.  Please pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China and India.  Just recently the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people there!  God is mysterious!  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

* "Trusting God" is copyright protected since 1988 by Jerry Bridges.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 08910-91742.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.