A perspective on suffering

My attitude toward the present discomfort in my life due to cancer is determined by my very keen sense of being a part of Christ’s body and of being identified with the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

I remember 42 years ago being on a bicycle path in Holland in the midst of summer, when suddenly a bright light shone in my face and I received a clear interpretation of the Scripture passage I was meditating on. This marked the beginning of God’s direct intervention in my life, as He gave me faith, a word of knowledge, a sensitivity to people’s inner life and a pastor’s heart for the weak and the suffering.

I am very much aware that I have died to self with Christ, have been raised up with Him, have been seated with Him in the heavenly places and live a supernatural life through Him, not only positionally but (thanks to God) very much experientially.

It is this clear sense of the Holy Spirit’s working in me which allows me to know not only that I am a child of God, but also that I have been called to share in the sufferings of Christ. Suffering is experienced universally on this planet earth, but if we are “in Christ”, then our suffering is put to His account. It does not matter whether a child of God suffers “for the gospel’s sake” or because of sickness, war, abuse or a loss; we suffer as Christians, and, because of this, we share in the sufferings of Christ.

The cancer in my body is both a test from God and a work of glory to God. It is a test to reveal whether my faith is genuine as I entrust myself many times every day and every night into God’s hands. It is a work bringing glory to God as I, by His enabling grace, expect to exalt Jesus in my body, whether by my life or by my death. I pray that I will not disappoint God and put myself to shame, but that I will pass this final exam, share in Christ’s glory and be an inspiration and example to others.

I am so privileged! God is so good! His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness continues to all generations.

Robert Yssennagger was an MB pastor. He died Feb. 19, 2002 (see MBH May 3).