
Discussions about suffering are often like opening a can of worms. Everyone has an opinion. Recently, I heard a testimony about suffering that profoundly touched my heart.
I attended a meeting where Phan Thi Kim Phuc gave her testimony. You may not recognize her name, but you have probably seen the “Napalm Girl” photo from the Vietnam War era. This photo shows Kim as a 9-year-old girl running naked, screaming in terror and pain after being burned by napalm bombs that were dropped on her village.
I cringed as Kim shared the story of her long recovery from the burns, which covered over thirty percent of her body. For three days, she lay in the morgue, left for dead, before her mother found her. Kim’s story moved me to tears as she shared her journey to coming to know Jesus as her Savior and how He brought healing to her soul. I’m glad I packed an extra pack of Kleenex in my purse as ugly crying occurred in my chair.
Kim explained how she despised the widely publicized picture of the “napalm girl.” She believed photos should express beauty, and this photo was hideous. But after becoming a Christian, she realized that she needed to embrace that horrible photo, which represented all her pain and suffering.
“I will forever bear the scars of that day, and that picture will always serve as a reminder of the unspeakable evil of which humanity is capable. That picture defined my life. In the end, it gave me a mission, a ministry, a cause. Today, I thank God for that picture. Today, I thank God for everything—even for that road. Especially for that road.” (Christianity Today, These Bombs Led Me to Christ, April 20, 2018.)
God has used suffering to educate, discipline, and mold me. But he’s often used suffering to prepare me to minister to others. Paul explained this in his letter to the Corinthians.
“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:4-5 (NLT).
I lack the eloquence to fully explain the question of suffering. But thankfully, I can rest on the words in Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (CSB) During his ministry, Paul wrote these words while sitting in prison and after years of suffering.
A discussion on suffering can lead down several different paths. But right now, my heart still burns with the words I heard Kim speak about how healing came once she embraced her suffering. Once she took that step, God helped her forgive those who brought her pain, and He helped her heal physically, mentally, and spiritually. It was a long process, but God walked her through it one step at a time.
While speaking at a women’s retreat earlier this year, I noticed an older woman who appeared upset and tearful during my session. She approached me at the end of the meeting and said, “Well, I want you to know you opened a can of worms.” She asked if we could meet later and talk.
I prayed before our meeting, terrified that I had somehow offended her. This sweet lady opened her heart and shared that her husband had recently died after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. She explained that God had opened her eyes to see the deep resentment she held against God about her struggles while dealing with her husband’s deteriorating condition. We prayed together for God to bring healing to her heart and to show her a way to share the lessons she learned through her season of suffering with others living in similar circumstances.
My friend, is there a “can of worms” you need to open and place before the Lord? Is bitterness in your heart holding you back from experiencing God’s comfort and healing? Has God called you to minister in a hard place, and you can’t understand how anything good can come from your suffering?
I hope you will lay your “can of worms” at Jesus’s feet. Set aside your doubts, shift your focus to God, and share your heart with Him.
Thanks, Robin! I know I always need to remember to praise Him no matter my circumstances!!
Suzanne, it’s something I always need to be reminded about! It was so good to see you and Mike. Looking forward to seeing you later this summer.
So happy to read this story tonight! It encouraged me. Today John and I ministered to a young woman in deep sorrow! I had no idea what to say, but thankfully the Holy Spirit led my thoughts and we saw a wonderful transition from sorrow to joy! Thank God for being able to pray!
Mary, so thankful this story encouraged you. Isn’t it amazing how God’s Holy Spirit leads us when we don’t know what to say. I know you blessed this young woman.
So glad o read this Robin–a great reminder to lay “our can of worms” at Jesus feet. I particularly remember one occasion early in our ministry when Chuck was in the pulpit and I sat right behind him in the choir. We were singing “Turn your eyes upon Jesus….” and it was all I could do to keep it together. It’s too long a story to share, but I can say the Lord took that hurtful time to lead us to step out into new ministry, more meaningful ministry. And looking back, to Him be the glory!
Thank you for sharing this, Judy! It is amazing to see how God works in our lives. This song always brings tears to my eyes.
Such a beautiful picture I love and miss you!
Janet, thank you! Miss you too, but I’m so happy we can keep in touch through FB. Love you!