On Suffering Well

Matt Chandler is the lead pastor of The Village Church north of Dallas/Ft. Worth. I met him when he was a senior in high school, still trying to discover God's calling on his life. Today, he is one of the most respected young pastors in our nation, speaking about our big God at big events all over the place.

Back in November, he had a seizure, which led to an MRI, which led to the discovery of a brain tumor. An aggressive surgery in December and further tests revealed that it's the mean, malignant kind...the kind that typically kills people...within a few years. Having walked through something exactly like this with Jenifer's best friend in Texas years ago, my heart is breaking for Matt, his family, and his church.

Associated Press writer Eric Gorsky did a feature story on how Matt is responding to his illness. His faith in God's sovereign will is incredible. I think it's something that all of us who are facing difficult times can learn something from.

As you read the story, note that his confidence does not come from blind faith. He's open and honest with the reality that he could die soon. But his confidence is strong because he is confident in God. And that God doesn't waste any of our pain. He can and will use it all for His glory.

Read the article. It's just that good. "Suffering Well" by Eric Gorsky.

For additional insights into Matt's journey, you can visit the chruch's blog where he has been posting video updates of what God is showing him. The Village Church Pastor's Blog