03.0.4. THIS BOOK AND YOU
THIS BOOK AND YOU A woman has been blessed by her Maker with a sensitive nature. She is capable of great depths of feeling and has a rare capacity to understand people’s problems. Thus she is able to alleviate the pains of others with sympathy and concern. But this sensitivity is also the cause of many of her problems. Tragic things happen to her just like they happen to others. And it is then that she herself needs help!
Some women weep for weeks on end as if their sorrows could be drowned in the sea of their tears. Others weep inwardly and are crushed by the weight of their grief. Many women retain the emotional scars of their suffering long after their problems have been solved. But sorrows and trials can be turned to a good purpose – the purpose with which a sovereign God Who loves us intensely, allows them to enter our lives. Trials can shape our character. Like the sandalwood tree that imparts its fragrance to the axe that cuts it, a woman can become a blessing to many (even to the one who harms her) through what she has learnt of God in her sorrows! To become a woman of God, one must be prepared to face many trials, but these trials must not be permitted to overwhelm us.
Many of my friends have gone through great depths of grief and sorrow. In some of those cases, I was unable to fathom the depths of their suffering. But giving them a listening ear, talking to them, writing to them, and being a friend to them has enriched me immensely. I have discovered that we can become better persons, if we learn to handle suffering aright. We receive a unique education in the school of suffering. The final reward is Christ-likeness in character.
“When He has tested me I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). But the fire that purifies the gold also hardens the clay. A woman too can be hardened through her sufferings and live her life with endless complaints against others, and against God as well!
Almost all our trials and sufferings are events over which we have no control. But the Lord can turn them to our profit by making something good happen within us. All things work together for good to those who love God and who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Jesus meets us women today, just as He met Mary Magdalene when she was weeping at His tomb on the resurrection morning. He asks us the same question too: “Woman, why are you weeping”.
“He knows every detail of what is happening to us” (Job 23:10 – Living). He is not ignorant. And He goes on to ask us: “Whom are you seeking?”
What will our reply be? Will we be able to say honestly, “Lord, it is You that I’m seeking in the midst of my trials. It is Your face alone that I long to see through my tears”.
How insufficient is the comfort we get from people. Let us look to Jesus instead.
Even the weeping mother of Jesus found comfort from Him as He hung on the cross. He arranged a home for her to stay in and told John to look after her.
Such is His concern for each of us women even today. Let us find our rest in His concern for us.
Bangalore Dr. Annie Zac Poonen