Hope Beyond the Suffering

2 Corinthians 12:9 English Standard Version (ESV)

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

John 16:33 English Standard Version (ESV)

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

The March of Dimes polio poster children were all so beautiful that it was no surprise if they tugged at your heart strings.  I remember gladly bringing my dimes for their care and participating in walk-a-thons to raise funds for the cause.  Today I visited a loved one who is now suffering in a nursing facility from the cascading effects of post-polio syndrome.  He has taught me through the years the meaning of boasting in the sufficiency of God's grace.  The power of Christ has and still is resting upon him.  His poster child beauty has been replaced by the beauty of one who has shared in Christ's sufferings.   I came home tonight with a song running through my head, "When My Heart is Torn Asunder" by Phil Wickham.  It could be this dear one's anthem.

Phil Wickham - "When My Heart is Torn Asunder" (Live at RELEVANT)

When my heart

Is torn asunder

And my world

Just falls apart

Lord You put

Me back together

And lift me up

To where You are

There is hope

Beyond the suffering

Joy beyond the tears

Peace in every tragedy

Love that conquers fear

I have found redemption

In the blood of Christ

My body might be dying

But I'll always be alive

You have turned

Mourning to dancing

You have covered me with grace

The struggle here

May last a moment

But life with You

Will last always

There is hope

Beyond the suffering

Joy beyond the tears

Peace in every tragedy

Love that conquers fear

I have found redemption

In the blood of Christ

My body might be dying

But I'll always be alive

When the age

Of death is over

And this world

Has been reborn

I'll be there

Beside my Savior

This is our grace

And rich reward

There is hope

Beyond the suffering

Joy beyond the tears

Peace in every tragedy

Love that conquers fear

I have found redemption

In the blood of Christ

My body might be dying

But I'll always be alive