Suffering Well – An Interview with Christian Hacking

This Sunday we have the immense privilege of welcoming back Christian Hacking to Christ City Church and he has kindly agreed to do our third talk from our 6 week series in the book of Job called Suffering Well. Don’t miss it, things kick off at 4.15pm.

UPDATE: Listen to Christian’s story, told at our Sunday gathering in Filmbase on 10th May 2015.

As I said in the original blog post, suffering will shape us for good or ill; it will make us more beautiful or more bitter. Suffering never leaves us the same; our hearts, characters, lives and attitudes will change as we are tested by the trials of life. We reflected on 7 lessons from Tim Keller on how to suffer well as if we don’t learn the lessons in advance of our suffering it may be too late to hear the advice when the pain is acute. However it is nothing like hearing it from someone who has recently experienced great suffering and is still holding onto God and finding that God wants to use the suffering for good. So I took the opportunity to interview Christian briefly about how the last 12 months have gone to help set the scene for Sunday.

(1) Up to the age of 24, how would you summarise your goals/ambitions in life and your outlook with regards to the future? 

I think I had the ambitions of any young man. I wanted to be free of back pain that I felt was a bit premature for someone in their early 20s. I wanted to do something positive with my life and my way in was becoming a teacher. If possible I wanted to make enough money to get by and get a wife and have a few kids.  Maybe one day become a missionary in Nepal or something.

(2) Tell us what happened on 27th July 2014 and the subsequent medical diagnosis?

I fell 30ft in a rock climbing accident. Immediately I lost the feeling in my legs. I was told I would never walk again or have sexual function.

 (3) How did you react in the moment and in the fortnight that followed?

I had no struggle reconciling the initial trauma with God although things got a bit fuzzy when the painkillers kicked in. It was after the initial weeks that it became harder as it dawned on me that for some reason God thought it was a good idea to rid a young man of his legs. This was made even worse when I realised he wasn’t going to give them back just because I was begging Him.

(4) This series is called “suffering well”. What do you wish you had known then that you know now, which would have helped you suffer well?

That Satan really is an arsehole! In fact, that gives him too much credit because it would be wrong to liken someone so vile to something as clever, and God-given, as the rectal passage. Also, that God doesn’t always answer prayers immediately and can sometimes feel tremendously far away.

(5) Describe the next 3-6 months

Initially a lot of crying, deep deep discomfort and then slow and steady progress amidst a few highs and deep lows. I spent 9 weeks in one rehab up north and then had the privilege to spend 8 weeks at Stoke Mandeville in Aylesbury. I met some amazing people like Pete, Jenny, Liv, Kirsty, Rachael, Mr Ho, Wendy, Hav, Terry, Gary and Chris. I flirted with the nurses, peed myself a lot, played sport and learnt to walk a little in the hydro therapy pool.

(6) As you look back, what has God taught you (your mind) and done in you (your heart/character)?

In my mind I have:

• Far greater clarity of thought with regard to heaven, hell, Satan and God.
• A far greater ability to watch what I’m thinking and process my emotions.
• Become more prioritised in my time and goals.

In my heart I have become:

• More content in Jesus.
• Less independent.
• More emotional.
• More dependent on His Church.
• Someone who longs for Heaven with great eagerness.

(7) What did you do with the “if only” moments? 

Don’t entertain them! Don’t compare, don’t regret, don’t blame. Just do the work he has for you to do until he calls you home.

(8) What does the future look like for you now?

Positive. Less queuing, small perks, and a focus on things of first importance – family, church, friends etc. What you can do rather than what I can’t.

(9) What one bit of advice would you give to people to help them prepare to suffer well when the trials of life hit?

Enjoy Jesus in the good times and then you will have something to savour in the bad. Get used to talking to God about your small niggles or else you won’t go to Him about your big aches. Know God through the Bible and don’t stop reading it even when you feel far from God.

Thanks Christian, we look forward to hearing more on Sunday.