Being Calm in the Chaos

by Colleen Swindoll Thompson

Life was relatively manageable until about three weeks ago. And then the storm hit—“BANG!” “BOOM!” “BLAST!”—almost like those old Batman comic strips.

“BANG!”

I’ve not written about this, but my younger brother has been battling a very serious form of cancer for nine months. Watching his suffering is more than I can put into words. If we all would allow suffering to transform our souls as he has, this world would be a much better place. He had surgery last week, and it was successful. But there were some impossible circumstances surrounding the events that were terribly difficult for our family.

“BOOM!”

My son, Jon, who has disabilities, needed to have his body chemistry and functioning examined. The news felt as though I was hearing of his diagnosis for the first time. Thankfully, the prognosis is very positive. Unfortunately, he is in pain, his care is financially draining, and the treatment requires two additional hours of care each day. I have hope, but it’s a bit hidden due to the additional caregiving requirements.

“BLAST!”

My health has not been super, and due to compounding chest pain and breathing difficulties, I spent a weekend in the hospital. The doctor ruled out a heart attack but, as is often the case with caregivers, my physical, psychological, and emotional systems have suffered. So Jon and I are in the process of health overhauls.

Learning from Christ

You know what amazes me the most? I don’t ever read in Scripture that Christ’s life was hit with Bangs, Booms, and Blasts even though He faced many trials. Here are some things I’m learning from Him.

• Christ modeled faith. He trusted God the Father fully, surrendered completely, and obeyed perfectly.
• Christ knew who was in control. He was sent by His father and depended on God to work out what was impossible, unmanageable, and unbearable.
• Christ established boundaries. When He needed time away, He took it. When He was tired, He rested. When He was challenged, He sought His Father’s wisdom and direction.
• Christ achieved His purpose . . . to trust and obey His heavenly Father.

Perhaps a storm has hit you and you’re wondering how you’re going to handle it. Though our circumstances may be different, pain and pressure will inevitably push us in one of two directions: we can lose heart or we can gain hope. Let’s learn to share our burdens and lean on Christ together. Let’s pursue hope together.

Let Me Hear from You
I would love to hear how the Lord has helped you.

Some Suggested Resources

Encouragement for Life: Words of Hope and Inspiration by Charles R. Swindoll, hardcover book

Perfect Trust by Charles R. Swindoll, hardcover book

2013 Insight for Living Calendar: Traveling the Road of Faith

Comments

[donna mckenzie]

Here is a link to how I am looking for Joy in Sorrow. I am a mom of a son with a disability and was able to attend the disability conference in Minneapolis this past November. Through a message given by John Piper looking to find the JOy in the midst of suffering. This particular blog, "48 hours" actually is a story about my mom who is battling cancer. http://donna-shiftingsand.blogspot.com/

[Colleen Thompson]

Donna,Thank you so much for passing this along. I plan to share your story with others if that is okay because it is very real. I LOVE John Piper's work...his stuff on suffering, doubt, and trust in God is abundantly rich. What a fantastic experience it must have been for you to be there-thrilled you were able to get some refreshment and nourishment to your soul. May you have a wonderful day. Colleen

[donna mckenzie]

Yes, please feel free to share! Also on my blog there are 2 others that you can read if you are interested in a little of my life. I believe they were posted in June. they are called "blueprints" and also "newsflash, Jeff and I don't think alike.
God bless!
Donna

[Colleen Thompson]

Donna, WONDERFUL! I will do so. Thank you again for sharing such great resources. Colleen