Today’s lesson is about suffering.

When we think suffering we have different visions of what that means. It could be a war torn nation. It could be of an epidemic plaguing a city. A snowstorm knocking out power. Violence, weather, death, disease, and more cone to mind.

Pain is another one that we think about. Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual pain are all examples of suffering. This type of suffering is harder to see and many times we ignore it because it’s difficult for us to help people going through this suffering.

All types of suffering are hard. There is no winner in suffering.

Today, I witnessed two colleagues, who I would call friends, suffering. Between being physically run down, not appreciated for their awesome amount of work, and doing everything in their power to help others.

My first desire was to hug, to help, but it wasn’t the right time. But I let them talk to me, told them I appreciated them, and let them know I was here to help.

That is what we are called to do.

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” – Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)

We are stronger for what we endure. That doesn’t help while we are going though it. What helps is knowing we are not alone. That we have Jesus and each other to help us.

Remember that when you are going through tough times. We can help others if they want the help. Sometimes the best way to help is be present, listen, and be there when they need you. Just like suffering comes in many forms, our help and response needs to be varied.

Are you willing to see daily suffering and help? Are you able to listen to what is said and unsaid? Are you willing to use your gifts in ways others need and want?

I am (with the help of God)

#65of365 #FaithBites #FaithJourney