Today is Monday, April 29th, 2013; Karen's Korner #2556

A 'Max Lucado' to begin the week.
 
I have a friend who said to me last week, "There's just so much suffering!"
 
Chances are pretty good if you aren't 'suffering', you know someone pretty close to you who is!
 
Suffering with Dignity
 
This question has been asked of me: “It breaks my heart to see patients who pray every day for miracles, and still they suffer. What do I tell them?”

The last years of my dad’s life were scarred by ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It took him from a healthy mechanic to a bed-ridden paralytic. He lost his voice and his muscles. But he never lost his faith. It wasn’t so much what he said, but more what he didn’t say. Never outwardly angry or bitter, Jack Lucado suffered with dignity.

After my dad’s funeral, a man told me it was because of my dad’s example that he became a Jesus follower. I’ve wondered, did God orchestrate my father’s illness for that very reason? Knowing the value God places on one soul—I wouldn’t be surprised. And imaging the splendor of heaven, I know my dad is not complaining!

“Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine.”

(I Peter 1:6-7)

*****


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