This past Monday, Pam and I took the dog for a walk right at dusk.  We headed down Cedar Avenue and up Edgewood Drive on a familiar loop. It was a very pleasant evening as the sounds of late summer filled our ears. Chloe loves this route and practically walked herself.

There are two Bethany families in our immediate neighborhood, and this route takes us directly by both their houses. We are always a little more attentive (curious, not nosey!) as we pass by, just to see if anyone’s home. It was almost dark, but we happened to see Louie Santiago getting out of his truck and he greeted us warmly.  After cracking a few jokes about us “checking up” on him and having to be careful because his pastor lives in the neighborhood, Louie caught us up on recent events in his family’s life. It was so nice to connect.

Suffice it to say, Louie and his wife Louisa have been through a lot recently.  Earlier this year, Louisa’s father suffered a stroke and was unable to return home, so this spring they scrambled to convert their basement into a handicap accessible apartment where their elderly parents are now living.  But recently her dad has had some setbacks resulting in some pretty demanding care which includes being on call 24/7, a host of doctor visits and in-home physical therapy.  This, coupled with the recent untimely passing of a loved one, their daughter heading off to college and the pressures of living through a pandemic with an immune-compromised person in the home have left them feeling pretty raw. I could hear the weariness in his voice.

When life gets tough, we often question: “God, what’s going on?”  “Am I doing something wrong?”, “What did I do to deserve this?”, “Why is all this happening to us right now?” and “How much more pressure can we take?”  I know Louie is grappling with these and many more questions. It can be discouraging.

But God is always present in our suffering.  Often, in the middle of struggle, it’s difficult to sense God’s presence or see what He’s doing. BUT HE IS THERE.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles… 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

And not only is he there, he works through our trials to advance the gospel.  The apostle Paul was no stranger to trials. And when he wrote his letter to the Philippian church, he was in big trouble. He had been arrested and found himself in chains in a Roman prison (v. 13).   And there was a distinct possibility he wouldn’t be coming out alive (2:17).  He hoped that he would be released, but he wasn’t sure it would happen (1:19-20).  Circumstances were bleak with no end in sight.  And yet Paul saw God’s hand in it.  He said:

Now, I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. Philippians 1:12

God was using his trials, his suffering, his hardship to reach people that otherwise would never hear the good news.  So, while it was a difficult season, Paul was able to rejoice.

As we continued to talk with Louie, the conversation shifted.  He shared how there are some deep spiritual needs in their larger family. Relationships are sometimes strained and it isn’t always easy. But now, as a result of having the patriarch and matriarch of the family in their home, as some COVID restrictions have eased, they’ve had family members pop by for a visit.  And they’ve been able to connect and reconnect with some more distant members of the family. Some of these folks are not believers in Jesus and they’ve noticed what the Santiago’s are doing and made comments about the sacrifice, love and concern they’ve seen. And that’s led to some interesting conversations. It’s making an impact. Light is shining in the darkness and God is at work. One relative who is a self-proclaimed atheist has even begun listening to Christian radio.

Suffering stinks.  No one enjoys trials and seasons of difficulty. But it’s nice to know that it’s not wasted.  Nothing is ever wasted with God. He is redeeming even suffering for his glory.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10-11