Moves

Spiritual Essential: Suffering

Reading: Philippians 3:7-11

“I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings.” (Philippians 3:10)

At the end of every season in any professional sport, a new season starts. The season of moves. Trades. Waivers. Free agency. Firings. Retirements. Every ending creates movement. And while you may look at those moves and not think much of them, if you’ve ever been part of a community and then had to leave, then you somewhat understand. We’re quick to call the athletes and coaches professionals and add up all the dollars they’re making and perhaps even be snide with our comments. But the reality is when a human is cast out of community, whether by choice or force, it’s a difficult move.

And I would know. Because I’ve been cast out. I know because I’ve lived it. Some people would tell my story one way. Others would tell it differently. What I’ve learned is this: God will often use a combination of events to trigger a move.

And these moves usually start with pain and suffering. They have for me. Because loss hurts. I have a propensity for loyalty and consistency, so when I pledge my support to something, or someone, let’s just say I’m most likely in it for the long haul.

Like fitness. Man, I’m so glad I’m loyal to fitness. Because I’ve wanted to quit fitness. In fact,

I have quit fitness. And that’s why I love comeback stories because my life has become one. Every major move God has made in my life has felt like an ending before it became a beginning. In life, moves are often the catalysts to start new stories.

When I left the gym I co-founded to pursue a relationship with Jesus, I started a new story. That move was full of suffering. I lost my community, I lost a close friendship with my business partner, and I lost the gym I trained in. But Jesus started a new story. He allowed that suffering to draw me closer to Him. Looking back, I don’t think Jesus was waiting on the other side of my suffering. He was walking with me through it. Have you ever had a time in your life where suffering drew you close to God? Then you know what I’m talking about.

But don’t miss this – the suffering was all short-term. And in every move of my life, and I mean every move, God has ultimately worked my short-term suffering for my long-term good. Suffering that strengthened my marriage, galvanized my relationships with my children, and created margin for me not to miss out on the special moments in life. It’s all happened for a reason and for that I am grateful.

The next time life forces a move you didn’t choose, don’t assume God has abandoned you. He may be moving you toward something you could never have reached by staying where you were. Because what feels like an ending today may be God’s way of beginning something far better tomorrow. That’s the beauty of His moves.

Questions for Reflection:

How has God used suffering to draw you closer to Him?

What move in your life seemed painful at the time but later revealed God’s purpose?