Hurt and Pain

I'm really struggling right now with the concept of hope through pain. I've thought about it alot lately as there is so much hurt and pain and loss at my home church right now. Well, more than my church home actually. A dear friend of mine has been in the deepest depths of depression for over a year now and is going into the hospital yet again for another series of electroshock therapy (she's already had 40 sessions). She is not a believer per say, she's had more than her fair share of hurt caused by the church; and yet it seems that she 's succumbed to hopelessness. Were does the unchurched find hope? She's having to result to extreme measures and has for many months with little to no results.

Kay and Chuck just found out that he is battling bone cancer - found in his legs and arms and spine. He had prostrate cancer which neither of them knew about that has spread. Kay is taking it pretty hard but Chuck seems not to be. He begins a series of tests and then treatment next week. He hasn't given in or given up - he has hope.

Through our study tonight I've thought an odd thought - the devil attacks the faithful; our church has more than its fair share of hurt and suffering therefore, our church is faithful in doing the will of God. Is that a logical conclusion? Who knows. It helps me get through, to maintain my own sense of hope. Maybe that's what faith is.