Last week I shared a story of my friend, Nancy, who was in desperate need of a liver transplant. She not only received a donor liver in time, but God also revealed that she was alive because of prayers. Those were miraculous experiences, but they were not the only revelations Nancy received during that time of great physical and emotional suffering. These are her words:

“The interesting thing about suffering is that you never realize it at the time, but the experience usually allows you to learn something or see something you wouldn’t have otherwise. One thing, of course, that it does is give everyone perspective on their own life: how short it is, how we must be grateful for everything we do have, that things can change quickly and not to waste time, to make sure we are doing the important things with our relationships. Unfortunately, the enlightenment usually happens later when the people are gone. While they are suffering, we can’t see the good in it. It can be very hard to see anything.

“Through suffering, we really learn and we really see the power of love. I know we can all feel love in our daily lives. I know my sisters love me. I know my mother loves me and my friends love me, but when we are going through intense suffering, there is an incredible light and the love that we feel is magnified. When we know someone is in pain and suffering and that we might lose them, our love intensifies and it can be felt; it envelops the sufferer. And it is joyful.

“It’s a great dichotomy, isn’t it? Through this terrible suffering there is also joy. It changes things forever. For me, I felt so loved and that sustained me. I survived and I feel somewhat special having experienced this deep love of knowing my life really matters. We sometimes lose sight of this. My connection now with family and friends feels deeper and stronger than before my illness. I am changed from it and so are the people around me.”

It is rare to appreciate our suffering in real time, but this is where our faith can serve us well. We trust that just as Jesus’ suffering was not in vain, neither is ours, and we trust it will be used for our greater good.

Escritura: This week, read 1 Peter 5:10. What is it saying to you?

Llamamiento a la acción: Life is not as it seems. Our Lenten program, The Rescue Project, will help you to recognize God’s presence in your life and the world around you.