DEATH IS NOT DYING: A Theology of Suffering

  • Thursday, May 14, 2009

  • One of the most important doctrines that I have had to come to grips with as a believer is the doctrine of suffering. I want to be comfortable and I have been angry when things did not go my way. I have called God unfair and questioned why things are happening to me. It is a terrible place to be and I have had to learn to repent or as Job replied to God, “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.” Also Job said, “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 40:4; 42:2)

    I continue to be a learner and will be till the end and I am humbled by those who are experiencing suffering and do so with a Christ-exulting perspective. I consider this a priority of teaching for parents for themselves and to teach our children.

    Several people who I read on the internet have made reference to the testimony of Rachel Barkey. I started to listen to this and was moved to share this with you.

    After four and a half years of vigilantly fighting breast cancer, Rachel Barkey, a 37-year-old wife and mother of two was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

    Rachel's story is not unlike what thousands of women around the world have experienced. A diagnosis that changes a woman's life and inevitably takes from her what we consider to be most precious.

    But for Rachel the essence of life is found in her relationship with God through Jesus. And that's why Rachel is convinced that death is not dying.

    Rachel shares her story of trusting God in the face of death. "Cancer does not define me," she says. "Neither does being a wife or a mother. All these things are part of who I am but they do not define me. What defines me is my relationship with Jesus."

    Take 55 minutes to listen and if you have teens in the house, grab them by the ear and sit them down for a lesson in practical theology.

    http://deathisnotdying.com/

    3 comments:

    PegS said...

    I heartily recommend the time it takes to listen to this woman! Each of us needs to be more sympathetic to the sufferers among us, for many do not have the end yet it sight. Thus we walk by faith and not by sight! Thanks, Pastor George!

    Pastor George said...

    Thanks Peg. Little did I know that after I listened to Rachel and thought about her talk would I have to consider it close to home. Her testimony ended up to be a special grace to me.

    PegS said...

    DeaMarci? Yes, that is nearly an exact replica, but different start. I will continue to pray for all of you!

    Post a Comment