JOY in the Midst of Suffering
With Cosmas L. Saturnino
Growing up in the village, life was simple and full of fun and cultural events. I grew up as a shepherd taking care of more than 200 goats and sheep right from 7 years old. It was my first job assigned to me by the family. I enjoyed running after goats half naked and barefooted. But the life of a shepherd is also characterized by many challenges. My mother had died when I was only 6 and shepherding came with waterborne diseases, being pricked with thorns, punishment when stubborn goats ate people’s crops, and dangers in protecting your goats and sheep. All these challenges though are nothing compared to the joy of drinking fresh milk, seeing your healthy goats and sheep increasing in number.
The Republic of South Sudan became the world’s youngest nation on July 9, 2011. But it also hasn’t been without challenges: outbreaks of civil war, persistent ethnic/tribal violence, weak management of public resources, and political contestation have undermined development gains and intensified humanitarian needs. More than a decade after independence, South Sudan remains impacted by fragility, economic stagnation, and instability. Poverty is ubiquitous, exacerbated by conflict, displacement, and external shocks. About 1.9 million people are internally displaced. There is widespread food insecurity, malnutrition, a recent cholera outbreak, and it’s all compounded by ongoing conflict and the influx of refugees from Sudan. Surely the suffering South Sudanese are experiencing seems too severe, too relentless for it to be for our good… but still I believe that our God is greater than all our contemplations, all our knowledge, all our ability to even dream of the heights of His majesty. And He has chosen to tie together our good and His glory.
Recently I met a widow and mother of four kids looking in despair in a rural area. She was married to a soldier who died during the liberation struggles of South Sudan. She asked me, “Where is God in our suffering and struggle?” I paused for a moment and softly I told her that God is right there with us in every moment of our lives, even as we experience suffering, pain, and injustice. Similarly, a South Sudanese refugee in Uganda recently told me, “I am afraid we have lost our future and everything we worked so hard for. I just want peace, to be able to take my family home so they can have a normal life. I spent most of my life as a refugee. I don’t want my children to grow up like I did.” Again, God (Emmanuel) is with us – with her -- right now. This is the painful cry of thousands of widows, orphans, internally displaced persons and all South Sudanese refugees.
Like these two women, I want to remind you, too, that God has given us the means to experience joy even in the midst of suffering. I know that can be difficult to grasp, that even when facing trials, a believer can experience joy and fulfillment in his or her faith and service to God. This joy is a gift from God, a reflection of His presence and grace. The Scriptures are honest about the trials of the saints of God, from Abraham to Job to David to Paul. They all suffered and suffered greatly. We could even say that some of them endured some of the worst afflictions that this life has to offer, yet as Christians we are exhorted to rejoice: Paul says in Romans 5:3, “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings…” and again in Colossians 1:24, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake.”
This reminds us that suffering is not a reason for complaint, but rather for rejoicing. This may seem counterintuitive, but we can rejoice because our suffering is of benefit to our own soul. Whatever trial we are enduring is only a “slight momentary affliction preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,” 2 Corinthians 4:17. Suffering refines us, molds us, and shapes us into the image of God. It matures us in ways that could never be realized apart from trial. Christ Himself learned obedience through suffering (Hebrews 5:8). He walked the path before us. With this knowledge, we can joyfully endure because we have a greater horizon in mind.
I think also of Rev. Kato, a South Sudanese teacher of African Leadership South Sudan. A refugee in Uganda, he was arrested and jailed on August 10, 2018 because of false accusations. He suffered for three and a half years in the maximum prison of Uganda until January 31, 2022. I believe he was sent to prison to study at the feet of Christ Jesus, that God took him there to be prepared spiritually before starting his new ministry, Forget The Past Global, for both inmates and prison officers. Prisons are the most neglected places where the Gospel couldn’t be preached. Now, with Kato’s ministry, it is. There is joy in the midst of suffering.
During Kato’s imprisonment, his wife, family, and church congregation were left without their lead pastor. Pastor Opi, his assistant pastor and a blind man, had no choice but to step in and lead by faith for those three and a half years. He did wonders with the youth and women leaders. He ran the congregation and administration wisely. Church members doubled miraculously, because our suffering impacts others, especially unbelievers, as they watch us endure our afflictions with joy. It demonstrates to others that Jesus is real and attracts them to join us. Today, Pastor Opi and Rev. Kato serve the growing church together. There is joy in the midst of suffering.
Therefore, this suffering can be endured by rejoicing because it is of benefit to you, to others, and gives glory to God. As Christians in suffering, let us weep and mourn, but always do so with joy!
Above: The day Kato was released from prison