Dancing into Suffering

As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” Jesus answered, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him." – John 9:1-3

There were once two great scholars. One, Eli, was a renowned biblical scholar, who was famous for his grasp of textual criticism and ancient languages. However, he rarely attended church and did not submit his life to the teachings he so assiduously studied.

The other, Simon, was primarily known for his ability to apply the Scriptures. He had gone far past simple knowledge, past understanding, past discernment and finally achieved true wisdom.
Eli spent most of his life surrounded by dusty books and had little to do with people. Simon, who understood that the point of the Scriptures was to reconcile humanity to the One, surrounded himself with people. Because of this, he became greatly loved.

One day, Eli came across Simon who was (as usual) surrounded by a great throng of people. Eli asked him, “Why does everyone surround you so adoringly, while I remain almost completely ignored? My knowledge of the Word is just as great as yours.”

Simon answered, “There is only one major difference between us. If the Lord of Hosts asks you to suffer, you respond ‘Who, me? Suffer? Why me?’ And Jehovah must drag you kicking and screaming to your test. But when the Master asks me to suffer, I respond ‘Lord, what would you have me learn by this lesson?’ And because I know that everything comes from His loving hand and that even suffering has its own unique lessons, I can go dancing and singing with delight into the greatest pits of pain and evil if need be. The joy of the Lord is my strength and it attracts the people to God.”

Suffering is a valuable tool. James teaches, Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. (James 1:2-4 NLT)

Many will tell you that if you will only follow them, they will show you the way to health, wealth and success – “Your Best Life Now!” But our Master suffered. Are we wiser than He? The apostle Paul suffered and was told to rely on God’s grace. Even the Psalmist said we would be led through the valley of the shadow of death and have to eat in the presence of our enemies (Psalm 23). If Christianity is all about getting rich, having stuff, and never getting sick, what was the cost of discipleship that Christ kept warning us about? Sometimes God teaches us through success. Sometimes He teaches through failure. Either way, we need to gratefully accept His Way and dance forward into whatever lies ahead.