Answering the Question: Why do I suffer like this?

A large container ship recently hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. This caused the bridge to collapse and six construction workers died as they fell into the Patapsco River. The destruction of the Key Bridge will affect the lives of innumerable people for a long time, possibly years. The effect on Maryland's economy and the national economy will take time to determine, and it is impossible to imagine how many people are suffering due to this tragedy.

As a writer, one of my passions has been to explore what it means to suffer and how we endure our trials. This has motivated me to write Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life's Darkest Moments, a book born out of a conviction that many of us lack a theology of suffering.

For most of us, suffering is an enigma wrapped in a paradox. We rejoice in the resurrection, yet we often falter when faced with the reality of our suffering—when we, like Christ, feel abandoned and overwhelmed by our circumstances. In these moments we often ask, "Why do I suffer like this?” This question echoes through the ages, resonating with a profound sense of isolation and despair.

Yet, the Bible does not shy away from the theme of suffering. Scripture is replete with instances where people faced immense trials and tribulations. For example, the Apostle Paul's words in Romans 5:3-5, "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Here, Paul’s perspective on suffering is counterintuitive to our natural inclinations. He suggests suffering is not an anomaly to be avoided at all costs but a pathway to deeper understanding and, ultimately, to hope.

In Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life’s Darkest Moments, I seek to guide readers through these dark moments, offering a process to understand and engage with their suffering in a biblically grounded and deeply personal way. The Gethsemane narrative, where Jesus Himself grappled with the weight of what was to come, serves as a profound backdrop for this exploration. It reminds us that suffering is an integral part of the Christian experience, not as a divine oversight or a punishment, but as a way we grow closer to God and more fully embody our faith.

This book is not merely an academic exercise; it is a heartfelt endeavor to provide comfort and understanding to those who are in the throes of suffering. It is an invitation to journey through our trials, not as solitary wanderers but as part of a community of believers who have walked this path through the ages.

For those who are seeking to understand the place of suffering in their lives or looking for a companion in their moments of pain, Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life’s Darkest Moments offers a perspective that is both enlightening and empowering. It is a call to embrace our suffering, not as a sign of divine displeasure, but as an opportunity to grow in faith and perseverance.

I am pleased to announce Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life's Darkest Moments will be available for download on April 5. For those eager to engage in this journey, the book can be pre-ordered now at a discount of $2.00. In this book, you'll learn how to face life's challenges with faith, courage, and hope. Use this link to pre-order the eBook.(https://amzn.to/3IwgFHa)

Jim

The Chaplain Writer