ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
November 2, 2021
On this day after All Saints’ Day (officially on November 1), I am reminded of Helen Keller who said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and success achieved.” Most of us would rather choose the “ease and quiet” if it were an option, but some of the great inspirational saints (including Helen Keller on the list) validated these words with their daily lives. Paul wrote in Romans how suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character. Many people who are suffering greatly will suggest they didn’t want that much character as if someone (usually people point to God) is out to teach them something or help them grow in their endurance and character. I’ve never believed God to be the source of the suffering. Instead, I see God as the One who helps us translate the suffering to something positive, something like endurance or character or, as Paul later suggested, hope.
Whether I am experiencing suffering or joy or a combination of the two this day, I turn to you, O Gracious and Transformative God. In my frustration or pain, I might point a finger of blame at you, but the life of Jesus directs our attention to a different understanding of who you are and what you seek. May the church be one of the instruments you use as you bring about your dream. Amen.
