Walking with God through Pain and Suffering

by Timothy J. Keller

So what happened to that deep, peaceful awareness of my Father’s presence and protection? It was still in me, grounding me, giving me strength to get through another day. Despite each day’s disappointments, frustrations, and sorrows, I slept soundly each night. Each morning, I thanked God for recharging me. During the day, I frequently wrestled with God. I often brooded when He didn’t “make things right.” I was so weary of waiting for the truth to prevail. There were countless court meetings, petitions, hearings, CPS visits, police procedures, legal proceedings, rumors, expert opinions, off-the-record tips, and massive amounts of paperwork. Most of the time, I accepted the courage God was giving me to handle these daily challenges. Other times, I crumbled under the pressure. Over time, I learned that God didn’t mind how strong or weak I was on any given day. He was the same. This was the true miracle—that my family lived and survived in the fiery furnace with God’s provision, not that God ultimately rescued us from it.