Max Lucado tells the story of his dad, who died from ALS. In his final days, while the disease ravaged his body, it never stole his joy. His dad’s witness for Christ so impacted one of his caregivers that the caregiver came to Christ, and eventually joined Lucado’s church.
Reflecting on the power of his dad’s faithfulness in the midst of his pain, Lucado said, “A season of suffering is a small assignment when compared to the great reward.”
That’s powerful. So are the words of Paul: “We glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance” (Romans 5:3).
A few of the benefits of suffering:
Puts eternity in perspective
Helps us identify with Christ
Helps us identify with others who suffer
We learn patience
We turn to God
Recovery Step: A season of suffering is a small assignment when compared to the great reward.
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
