PURPOSE IN PAIN 67 teenagers receive as a pathetic, narcissistic plea to view him as an example. Patrick then follows his cancer story with a guided discussion, encouraging the teenagers to determine the purpose of life for themselves. Imagine Patrick’s effectiveness if he began each group sharing his testimony rather than his cancer story. Instead of focusing on himself, Patrick could share about his relationship with Jesus Christ. He could share how Jesus transformed his perspective on pain and suffering, how God’s Word informed his faith in the assurance of life after death, and how he has made an impact serving teens affected by illness. Patrick could then transition from his testimony into asking the group how each member views their pain and suffering. He could ask them to share what they believe about God. The group could explore their beliefs regarding creation, the fall, sin, heaven, and what it means to have faith--with Patrick unashamedly reinforcing his faith in the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord’s Son. Hazel and others describe real hardships, real grieving, and real moments of joy during the group. Instead of ending the hour with a hollow prayer to a God they don’t know, Patrick could lead the teens to pray to the real Lord who comforts all, so the teens can comfort each other in turn, as they are immersed in deep joy and intense suffering (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). The kind of support Hazel needed was not psychological and emotional. Rather, she needed ontological and theological guidance as she examined the meaning of her existence. It is not a surprise that Hazel made fun of Patrick and remained unimpressed with the group’s interactions. Although they met in a location intended to bring the teens as close to God as possible, the group failed to recognize the Creator as both the source of and answer to their questions (Ecclesiastes 3:11). The novel, perhaps unintentionally, reminds the Christian reader that proximity to the Gospel does not equate to having a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Like Hazel, we are all in need of the hope and new life that quite literally flows from the heart of Jesus. Jesus Himself deeply sympathizes with our weaknesses, including our physical illnesses, and brings the promise of hope and healing, validated through His resurrection and conquering of death. There is no substitute for this truth.
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