Jesus was familiar with suffering. The prophet Isaiah foretold the trials Christ would endure: He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. (Is 53:3) And, on the eve of his crucifixion, he explained […]
Beholding the King: Elisabeth Elliot
Yesterday morning brought the news of Elisabeth Elliot’s homecoming. As I read the report, tears filled my eyes, both from sadness and thanksgiving. I feel as though a mentor has slipped away, and yet, I rejoice that her rest has come. My first introduction to Elliot’s writing came in high school when a friend passed along […]
Three Hopeful Truths in the Midst of Suffering
One of my less exciting Christmas gifts to myself this year was a sparkly new crown on one of my upper molars. It began in October with a simple cleaning that led to the discovery of a small cavity. It wasn’t bothering me in the least, but I decided to go ahead and get the […]
The Ministry That Makes all the Difference
It’s the fourth Monday of the month, and there’s a meeting I’m trying to avoid. On these Mondays, our women’s care team meets. We do not argue over events to plan or struggle with infighting or frustration over what Bible study to teach. Instead, we come together and pray. We are not wrestling with one […]
The Beauty of Faithful Suffering
I knock on the door expectantly. My friend Debbie greets me in sweatpants that hang loosely on her diminishing frame. Her face is slightly paler than the last time I saw her, and soft peach fuzz graces the top of her head. She is the most beautiful woman I know. I hug her tightly, not […]