Articles
The Strength of the Human Spirit
I know a Christian woman who …
* Had cancer in her forties and went through full treatment to beat it.
* Took both of her parents into her home and cared for them for several years until they passed away.
* Has a husband with early-onset dementia and sees him slipping away day by day.
* Has a granddaughter with severe autism and helps with her care.
I could include other details that add to this picture but do not want to violate the sister’s privacy. But I did want to mention her overall situation because I believe her example might inspire others to greater strength.
Rarely is a smile missing from this woman’s face. She loves life; she lavishes her genuine affection on others. She studies her Bible intently and teaches children’s classes. There are times when the load gets heavy, but it is difficult for her to let that show.
This is the reality of earthly life for believers and unbelievers alike. Challenges and burdens come to all. Thus the cynic sneers: “What good does it do to serve God if he allows you to suffer? If you are going to suffer anyway, why don’t you just live the way you want to live and enjoy yourself?” What is the critic missing in his analysis of the situation?
First, facing hardship yields benefits. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (Jas 1:2-4). Some elements of godly character are only developed by trials. We simply don’t apply ourselves to spiritual development voluntarily. It often takes difficulty to make us focus on things that really matter. This being true, it would not be a blessing for God to remove all trials, for then we would not mature in faith.
Secondly, facing pain and struggle in this life is a reminder that this world is not our home. Our hopes and dreams should not be centered here. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven … for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt 6:19-21). I have never heard anyone speak more openly about their desire to be in heaven than this sister. It is not a “woe is me” lamentation or a detachment from her duties. It is merely her intense desire to lay down the burdens of this world and rest with God in His heavenly home. “For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (Ph 1:23-24). A too-cushy life leads most of us to frivolous pursuits and superficial covetousness. Hardship is sobering.
Third, the cynic has the same contempt for serving God as did the devil: “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not made a hedge around him? … But now stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” (Job 1:9, 11). Neither Satan nor the cynic get it. We serve God, not for what we get out of it but for what we can give back to Him who has given us everything. His Son suffered far more than we ever will to provide for our spiritual welfare. He set the tone of joyful suffering for the sake of God’s honor and glory. Such are the legacies of faithful saints like this good sister. May we all be such a source of strength to others.
