on reflections from that Yancey book

in case you don't know, I'm talking about "Where's God When It Hurts". Just a couple of takeaways.

First is that I rarely thought about suffering and pain in this world. I guess I'm pretty much desensitised that way. To put it in its harshest sense, I've much lost a heart of compassion for the sick and the suffering. I never really know that sending "Get Well" cards can sometimes send the wrong message to the receipient, especially for the terminally diseased and the dying. For that I repent of a cold, stony and insensitive heart.

Second is that though I have not been through major sufferings and pains in my life, the times when I do go through them, I tend to just grit my teeth and bear with them stoically. "Manly what, don't be a wimp and whine." Well, that's often my line or thought when I have pain or suffering. I don't usually go through the "Why me, o Lord? Why this upon me" routine. While I don't usually gripe about why, my response is still not correct. Somehow must learn to rejoice in my sufferings - though I'm really lost at how to rejoice and give thanks for these. Must ask the Lord for wisdom in this...

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"Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.  Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!

 

-Ezekiel 18:30-32 (New International Version)