In Chapter 2 (“Overcoming Suffering”) of Overcoming, Steve Mays contrasts the two responses we choose to suffering by using the analogies of a mirror and a window.
With a mirror:
1. all we see is ourselves
2. we see our pain and problems as well as the corresponding offense
3. we are oblivious to God and what is happening in the lives of others
4. we assume a looking (inward) position
Through a window:
1. we notice that other people also are hurting
2. we may not immediately understand the purpose of our suffering
3. we realize God is placing people and events in our lives for a reason
4. we take on a helping (outward) position
During our Land Between time of adversity, we need to affirm the truths we believe about God, remembering Jesus’ words in John 16:33- “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
