bishop


Bishop David deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

“We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know suffering produces perseverance; perseverance produces character; and character, hope, and hope does not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” - John 5:3-5

Suffering seems to be more prevalent and pervasive these days. Several of our friends have experienced authentic hurts in their lives due to illness, financial turmoil and broken relationships. Their sadness is permeated with a sense of wondering regarding the meaning of these difficulties. “How can I hope when I hurt so badly?” and, “Where is God in my pain?” have not been rare expressions.

Without giving in to simplistic responses, these situations have raised a struggle of honest reflection. Let me share a few thoughts of faithfulness:

Does it matter that we know the Gospel? We have been shaped by the incredible recognition that the God of the universe truly cares for us … we are created to be loved by God. This Lenten season, we have once more journeyed to see the gracious power of our God willing to die so that we might live. God’s mercy is greater than our sin. Jesus chose to give His life so that forgiveness, love and hope might be ours. The Cross of Christ extends its unconditional compassion over every human experience. We are different because our lives live in the shadow of that Cross.

God cares. God cries. When the earth shakes, when your world gets shattered, when you do not know what to do, God’s arms embrace. When His friend Lazarus died, Scripture simply states: “Jesus wept.” In Jesus, we have a God who cries … cries with you … compassion supreme.

Suffering can produce strength. While suffering is not a chosen thing … good things sometimes come out of suffering. Suffering can sensitize us to the reality of our shared vulnerability. Suffering has the power to connect us to each other in ways that we have never known before. Simply ask a few cancer survivors. Many times relationships deepen, masks come off and souls meet in a way that normal life
never caused.

Many times, suffering has awakened a new perspective, caused a new lens in seeing life. Energy and emotion that were wasted on trivial and peripheral concerns are realigned. Priorities and principles take on new meaning.

Our redeeming God grows us. Is it possible that in some ways, people can grow from - maybe even need - adversity, setbacks, difficulties and heartache to reach the fullest level of humanity, development and growth? Can it cause them to be better, stronger, more generous, more pure-hearted human beings?

An experiment in California showed that fruit trees put behind windbreaks were dwarfed in size and incapable of growing fruit because their stems could not develop the strength to hold. They were weakened because they did not have to withstand the wind. Sometimes people find themselves rising to a challenge that reveals abilities that were hidden in easier times. An awakened reliance on God’s Holy Spirit has given rise to new strength, profound gratitude, and honest recognition. James stated it powerfully: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.” (James 1:2-4)

God does God’s best work in cemeteries. Jesus got crucifi ed, but Satan got nailed. In the face of severe disappointment and ruthless despair, God rose triumphant from the grave. When all looked to be lost, the disciples’ greatest hopes dashed, God Eastered! The story is not over, until God sings … sings the song of victory!

Celebrate our God … who loves, who cries, who strengthens, who redeems, and who raises even the dead!

Blessings!

Bishop David deFreese

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