“God uses chronic pain and weakness, along with other afflictions, as his chisel for sculpting our lives. Felt weakness deepens dependence on Christ for strength each day. The weaker we feel, the harder we lean. And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow spiritually, even while our bodies waste away. To live with your ‘thorn’ uncomplainingly—that is, sweet, patient, and free in heart to love and help others, even though every day you feel weak—is true sanctification. It is true healing for the spirit. It is a supreme victory of grace.”

J.I. Packer

Christian Care works to alleviate suffering. We bring healing to the sick; we visit the lonely; we comfort the dying; we feed the hungry; we shelter the exposed.

We also believe that God is at work in and through our suffering. He’s shaping us into the image of His Son–Our Lord, Jesus. This brings us hope that our pain is not wasted, but is working to purify our faith.

I’m terrible at this. I complain more than I’d like to admit–at trifles compared to the suffering that some of my friends are currently experiencing. But even this weakness is to be given to Jesus–the suffering servant who was A Man of Sorrows–but never a grumbler.

Whatever you’re going through today, God sees and knows. If you’ve prayed for Him to take it away and He hasn’t–rest assured that He has a greater purpose for you–that he’s shaping you into a better version of you–one that looks and sounds more and more like His Son.