The Hope of Suffering
By: Scott Parkinson – www.panicrev.org“

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:1-5).

If anyone is qualified to speak on the subject of suffering it is the Apostle Paul—a man flogged, beaten, imprisoned, and ultimately martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ. Paul was able to “rejoice” in his own suffering because he knew that it would only draw him closer to the father and allow him to reflect Jesus more clearly. Moreover, Paul knew that “in all things Gods works for the good of those who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 ). Paul had the hope of eternal life and knew that Jesus had died on the cross for the sins of all man …

On Saturday June 18th, 2005 at round two of Perris Raceways Hot Summer Nights, Jim Downey came out as a special guest speaker for PanicRev's trackside service. Just as the Apostle Paul is very much qualified to speak on suffering, so is Jim Downey. Many would say the loss of a child is the worst heartache a mother and father can possibly suffer. Sadly, for Jim Downey and his family this trial became a reality on Thursday, August 19, 2004 . Jim's son Brett Downey, a nationally ranked mini cycle rider, passed away while practicing at Glen Helen Raceway in Southern California . Brett had gone down in a dusty corner of the track, and was hit by another rider as he was attempting to remount his bike, passing away on impact.

That is where the Downey family's story of sorrow and suffering begins. Oddly enough, it is also where a miraculous story of healing and growth was set in motion. Or maybe, it isn't so odd, and this is just an example of God fulfilling his promise to “work together all things for the good of those who have been called according to his purpose.” Jim Downey affirms this is the case. He has seen the Lord work miracle after miracle in his own life and in the life of his family. This is in no way to say that Jim and the Downey family wouldn't do anything to have Brett back, because they would. All that is said through the Downey suffering is that God had taken this painful, sorrowful, unbearable trial and turned it for the good in the life of Jim and his family. Moreover, this isn't to say that God wanted Brett to pass away when he did to teach the Downey family a “lesson.” Once again, God simply affirmed His promises and fulfilled His work through this tragedy.

For many, this tragedy is something that would be far too much to bear, but you see Brett Downey was a follower of Jesus, just as Jim and the entire Downey family are. Not only was Christ in the lives and hearts of each of the Downey 's giving them strength, love and support, but He was filling them with hope—hope of eternal life.

Each one of us can have that very same hope. How you ask? By placing our faith in Jesus Christ …

Jesus died upon the cross for our sins. The sins that each one of us commit and have committed. Forgiveness and a cleaning of those sins are found on the cross. You can be like Brett Downey and receive Jesus as your own personal Lord and savior and ensure eternity with the Father in heaven. Moreover, you can be like Jim Downey and be filled with the hope and peace that Jesus brings. That choice is yours and yours alone.

If you would like to ask Jesus to be your Lord, your savior you can pray a prayer like this:

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me. I know I'm a sinner, and I'm sorry for my sin. I thank you for dying on the cross for me, I turn from my sin, and I turn toward you right now. Forgive me for all of it. Fill me with your power. Help me to love you and hate sin from this time forward. Thank you for your forgiveness and reconciliation. I gladly accept it now. Amen.