I want to post something below. A dear friend just shared it with me (thanks "Dori"). It also ties into a short podcast I happened to be listening to earlier today on the topic of suffering. Anyway, here it is.
Source: Word4Utoday
God's megaphone
'...This is the way; walk in it.' (Isaiah 30:21 NIV)
Pain speaks volumes. Headaches tell us we need to lie down in a dark room; backaches tell us we need to lift safely; stomach-aches tell us to step away from the Doritos. Yes, pain tells us something's not right. Pain captures our attention. It can be the same with our lives, sometimes pain is necessary for change. The pain of depression can lead us to seek help. The pain of loss can help us re-evaluate what matters most in life. The pain of emptiness can bring us back to God. CS Lewis wrote, 'Pain is God's megaphone'. Maybe, this year has been tough for you, life seems a bit pointless and you've been left wondering, 'Where is God in all of this?' The Bible says, '...don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through? Instead, be very glad?for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.' (1 Peter 4:12-13 NLT) Pain is never easy! Actually, life isn't easy, but one thing we can count on is God hasn't just left us to it. God is on the job: 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.' (Romans 8:28 NIV) Sometimes God has to use his megaphone to shout: 'This is the way; walk in it.' (Isaiah 30:21 NIV)
Interestingly the above makes reference to verses in 1 Peter 4, which our Bible Study is about to move into next week.
