"For the truth of the matter is that naked beliefs offer little consolation under the worst experiences of suffering and evil." (How Long O Lord?, DA Carson, p20)
Humility is needed in all our living, in both good and bad times. Doctrines held on tightly during good times, can be utterly painful during times of pain. Carson, a professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity, draws us into the deep valleys of pain and grief, and tests our scholastic theology with reality, dealing with it sensitively. He warns Christians against hiding in false security that leads to destructive ends. Ignorance and Arrogance are two of the most deceitful ways Christians face when dealing with pain and suffering.
Fact of the matter is we do not draw comfort from right thinking or right beliefs. If comfort is drawn from 'right thinking', what about the mentally challenged? If comfort comes from 'right beliefs', how do we make sense of bad things happening to good people? Good thinking and good believing has its place. However, most critically, we draw comfort from a right relationship, one that bathes in the showers of God's grace. Like a welcome sprinkle gulp spring water on a hot dry day, or fresh rain for a parched dying land, God's love comes to us in moments we least expected. We can ask: How Long, O Lord?, and it is that waiting, that anticipating and that hoping that keeps our weary and suffering souls looking towards heaven and prays: "Come Lord Jesus. Come soon".
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed." (Rom 8:18-19)
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