Introduction: Recently I texted a person I love and asked for some wisdom. I asked, “What to write about?”

Why the Question? In my role in Christian ministry, I do a fair share of writing. I’m typically better with a pen/pencil, cup of coffee, and a notebook than with a microphone or at a lectern. The second medium, in today’s climate, tends to focus on the visual rather than the intellectual and/or the content under review. Words and the Word rule the world, however, and I’m content to remain a penmeister. I love few things as much as words fitly [writt]en (Pr 25:11).

The Response: The response I got shook me. And this is a direct quote: “How about something along the lines of we will at some point deal with tragedy, grief, hurt and who should be our foundation.”

Why’s That So Helpful? Well, because it’s accurate, isn’t it? Do you know anyone who does not suffer or deal with tragedy? Is anyone immune to hard times? Must everything in ministry be sunshine and rainbows? Must the minister’s job be a life coach for happy-clappy thoughts? Has ministry degenerated into Oprahism and Joel Osteen shiny watches, bleached teeth, and gelled hair, and Steven Furtick emotional pep rallies–cliches of pop humanistic psychology, fit for coffee mug bromides and aphorisms stenciled as refrigerator magnets? (Shhh … don’t tell me, because I think I know the answer.)

Keeping It Real: I’m old enough, and have been in ministry long enough, that I know better. So do you, if you’re honest. We all know that hard times come to us all. We all suffer. We all know sadness. We all have experienced loss. Each day is not sunshine and rainbows, even for Smilin’ Joel.

Scripture Is Not Silent:

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Tim 2:3, ESV).

“And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Mt 10:22, ESV).

“If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (Jn 15:19, ESV).

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hb 4:15-16, ESV).

But What About Unbelievers?

An easily anticipated objection is, “But what if I don’t believe that?”

It’s answered just as easily: Who cares? If you’re an atheist, you don’t believe there’s anyone there, anyway. So, what are you whining about? You claim to believe that everything came from nothing. No-thing somehow gave rise to every-thing. And you say I have faith?

If you’re a consistent materialist, just have the intellectual integrity and logical consistency to admit you’re just so much cosmic dust, brain fizz, not qualitatively different from pond algae or indigestion. For you to complain about anything, especially moral categories or metaphysics, is both a non sequitur and just downright funny.

And Now . . . the Encouragement: I have to mock the professing atheist. Why? Because he shakes his fist and rages at the God he professes to deny. Psalm 2 and Psalm 14 address this overtly. I commend them to you.

For those who are serious, for those who are suffering, and who are struggling to reconcile pain and suffering with the existence of the God who is and the God who cares, stand by. I will write more. For now, just know you’re not alone. Many have wrestled with this: Job is just one example. Be patient. Reach out. Listen. And seek out those who truly care and are not just trying to get 15-minutes of fame. More to come.