This is a picture of one of the ancient cliff dwellings of the Sinagua Indians in Sedona Arizona. Sometimes, a cave to retreat to and hide in seems appropriate, right?
Have you ever just wanted to run? With no real purpose in mind, just run like you could outrun a difficulty or a problem that needs your attention. Most of us have had that feeling. Some of us more than once. I’ve walked through a store not really seeing anything, trying to keep tears back, hoping others won’t notice, ‘escaping from reality for a moment’. I’ve gone for a walk nowhere in particular while the tears flow, trying to digest unexpected or difficult circumstances. We react in different ways to the stresses of life but we all seem to want to run at one time or another. Not too far, but far enough so that we can clear our thoughts, get them in line with right thinking and integrate new or disturbing information in a fashion that will honor God. We have such limited understanding. We cannot see into the future. Often we are focused on the things at hand rather than the things of heaven. Everyone encounters suffering in some way. Look at the apostle Paul. Although his situation was different, we read that he struggled with disease and insults and distresses. What was his response?
2Co 12:10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
In the verse preceding, God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness”, 2 Corinthians 12:9a. Consider. Because of God’s promises, His grace towards me, His divine influence in my heart and His work in my life, I am able to choose to think well of, and be a willing recipient of weaknesses, whether in mind or body. No grumbling or ‘it’s not fair’, no wondering if God got it wrong, no stomping the feet and cursing the sky, no refusing or yelling ‘why me?’ Rather, a willing acceptance and peaceful attitude towards difficulty. I whole heartedly want this to be true of my life no matter what. Not that I seek trouble or problems, in fact my initial response is to run as I’ve mentioned above, and then hide and stay in my comfortable place, alone with God, studying His word, contemplating His amazing grace and marveling at His love for someone such as myself. I would be comfortable doing this all day, ignoring the world around me to a large degree. But, He has not called us to be secluded in a hole somewhere. Sure, that time alone with God is sweet. It is necessary and to be sought after and protected and nourished. However, we are to participate in life with others. We are to be lights in the world, encouragers to fellow believers, and to serve in His name. We can’t do this if we’re not engaged with those around us. If we hide in a cave we become ineffective tools for God to use. How can we be light if we’re not out there? A willingness to be exposed to the world and the pressures around us just make us more mindful of the need we have of Christ!
Eph 5:8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light
2Co 1:3-4 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
To take pleasure, in the context of 2 Corinthians 12:10, means to approve of the circumstances God allows in my life knowing it is for His glory and my good. This approval is not in the sense of giving permission or allowing, but in the sense of recognizing God’s sovereignty and direction for my life. It’s being willing to embrace whatever God has deemed necessary. It’s desiring to include all elements of my life that are presented, knowing that they are part of a perfect plan. Any amount of suffering, either in mind or body, is for His glory because He is exalted, and for my good because I have the opportunity to trust even more which proves a faith that is real. So that when I run, I run towards Him, not away. As tears fall, I pray for direction, for peace, for trust, for perseverance. Take a deep breath, dry the tears, and move forward in His grace and strength.
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