All Suffer, Not All Complain

Dave Roever

This morning while on a little trip to the Grocery Store, I had the privilege of hearing an encouraging story by a Vietnam Veteran, Dave Roever.  He told his story of incredible, physical and mental suffering he experienced as a result of the Vietnam War.  He and twelve of his men had walked into an ambush that resulted in the death of all his men with the exception of Mr. Roever.  He was left with a badly disfigured face, a gaping hole on his chest and many other burned parts and complications.  The following months would bring much suffering and pain.  He even had moments where he died and then was brought back.  Despite the hard times of suffering, bouts with depression and guilt and times where he wished he were dead, he made it through.  He was not ashamed to admit that his faith in Christ and his loving young bride were what helped him make it through.  Jesus Christ was always there to give him enough strength to make it through the day.  His young bride would be his faithful companion through his many ups and downs.  What stood out to me as I heard his story was his joy and peace with which he told it.  As a Christian, I understand and have experienced the joy and peace that comes from God, but it seems that lately even we as Christians tend to complain about our unfair circumstances.  Like the Apostle Peter during his walking on water episode, he was doing the impossible until he started focusing on his circumstances.  Having Joy and Peace as a Christian in the midst of trials is our "walking on water moment" but it is not automatic; even Christians are subject to sinking under the circumstances if we place our eyes on the rough seas instead of Jesus.  Well after hearing his story, I couldn't help but think, "I have nothing to feel sorry about."  If he can find joy in Christ despite his circumstances, what is my excuse?

The story didn't end there.  During his time in the Veterans Hospital, he met a soldier who had suffered major burns throughout his whole body.  He was so badly burned that he would no doubt die within weeks; however, he would live long enough to see his wife.  Mr. Roever goes on to tell how this man's wife came in and placed her wedding ring between his feet and said to him, "you are embarrassing and I could never take you out in public."  That was the last time this soldier would see his young bride.  Again, I was left thinking, "what right do I have to complain and feel sorry for myself."  You see, in this life we will all experience suffering and some more than others, but the questions is how will you react to those circumstances.  Complain and Pout?  No one cares.  Feel sorry for yourself?  That only leads to a lonelier path.  Be angry and bitter at the world?  The world will pass you up and you will stay in the same mud hole until you change.  Maybe do a little crying?  Crying will bring a little relief, but crying never changed the circumstances.  The truth is we complain and pout because we feel like the only ones going through hard times and it just seems unfair.  Well, I got news for you; you are not alone.  Every person that goes through this life will experience hard times.  No one leaves this earth untouched.  I'll tell you this; Dave Roever had a reason to feel like his circumstances were unfair.  He didn't ask to go to war or be blown up.  If the truth be known, we as Americans have so much to be grateful for.  I have never missed a meal like some of the little ones in parts of Africa and South America.  I have air conditioning to comfort me during the Summer months and heat to keep me warm during the Winter.  I have running water at the turn of a valve and at the flick of a switch, I have light.  There are people who live in oppressive countries who truly have no hope of change.  If you are a Christian, you have a God who loves you, who promises to meet your needs if you believe and gives you the strength needed to make it through those hard times.  Although, sometimes our hard times are really just times of spoiled discomfort because we may lose the cable or we don't get to wear the expensive brands of clothes our friends do.  If things never got better for us, as Christians we have the greatest inheritance known to mankind. 

So how will you respond to life's heartaches?  Will you focus on the Sorry Times and complain, or will you focus on the Savior and thank Him for His help in the time of need?  If your going to cry, cry to the one who cares for you and has the power to calm the storms you face.......Jesus Christ.