We have all been touched by some sort of suffering. It might have to do with our health or relationships or something else. We all know that these sorts of problems are a part of life. And yet, in too many situations, there is a note of surprise when we encounter them, as if to say, 'Why is this happening to me?'
As I write this I've been reading through Ezekiel. Parts of the book are mystifying or - to be honest - a bit boring (which means I don't really understand what's going on). But parts of it are clear enough. Here's Ezekiel, just some guy minding his own business. And out of the blue he gets drafted by God. He isn't asked. There is no recruitment drive that Ezekiel responds to. God just tells him, 'I have a job for you.' And his life is dramatically changed from that point on. For one thing, God repeatedly has him do things that are supposed to depict the coming destruction of the people of God. And these are weird things like his lying on his one side for a bunch of days and then lying on the other side for some other bunch of days. Then, he was commanded to shave his head and beard (a shameful thing in that day) and then do some odd things with the hair. And then, what has to be the worst, to make a point to the people about the coming destruction, God kills Ezekiel's wife ... and then tells him not to mourn.
So, here is Ezekiel, just a guy working at living faithfully. And how does God respond to his faithfulness? He completely messes up his life.
Can He do that? Does He have the right to mess with our lives? Why would He do such things? That doesn't seem very loving.
Jesus said,
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Jesus is quite clear about our priorities and the cost of following Him. Your life just might turn out to be like Ezekiel's. And yet, there is a promise here also. Losing your life, as Ezekiel did, will mean that you will find real life. Yes, Jesus can mess with your life. But, in the midst of the suffering and as a result of the suffering, He will give a better life - both now and especially later.