Finding Hope in Suffering

March 31, 2022

“I am in training right now. When things are going well and I choose to be in the Word regularly, I am training my mind for what’s to come. Because make no mistake: trouble will come (John 16). I want to train well so I can stand up well in battle. I can’t be a warrior unless I train well and my training comes from being in His word, memorizing scripture, and prayer.”

I wrote those words in a note on my phone in March 2022. I had no idea just how soon my battle would come.

What are we willing to suffer to be a part of God’s plan?

We all experience suffering in our lifetime, but how do we suffer well?  It’s never easy, and we often question the trial of suffering. 

I wrote Finding Hope in Suffering for my mom when she was suffering from dementia. Her battle was a difficult one, and her suffering brought unbearable grief to both of us.

My mom was always the biggest supporter of my photography, so I wanted to create something for her that would pair my photos with words of encouragement for her... reminders of the promises of God and of His faithfulness in the midst of our trials. The truth is, I needed the reminder myself.

The book took me months to put together. In those months, I discovered there was a lot of need. I was surrounded by people suffering. A niece who was diagnosed with breast cancer. A recently divorced young woman with two small children. A neighbor who was losing their father to dementia. A dear friend was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that changed her whole world. A former coworker was diagnosed with cancer.

Sometimes, it can all feel so overwhelming. I just want to be healthy. I just want to be married. I just want to be happy. I just want to be around to see my child grow up. I just want to have a child. I just want this to be over.

Even Job, a man who loved God but had everything taken from him in his great pain and suffering, grieved and mourned. He cried out to the Lord, yet his words were something we wouldn't expect. “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!" He still praised The One who is in control.

Daily life is challenging, but Jesus brings peace, hope and rest. He is still in control. He still has a plan. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of it.

I cried many tears during the creation of this book. I am still learning how to be content in all things. It's not easy, but I trust God and I trust His plan.

I prayed for Him to make me a warrior. I am still in training.