Many are searching for answers and asking why. Many cannot understand death, a failed relationship, infidelity, poor health conditions, unemployment, times of stress and lack…
“Why Why Why me?” is sometimes on our lips.
Don’t waste the suffering. Suffering, pain, hurt, loss, lack, etc. is all part of a process to build character, tenacity, resilience and most importantly for me – FAITH.
While we cannot see the light or the answer to prayer, I believe that God is still working for our good. Faith is believing in the unseen…trusting Almighty God to come through even if we cannot see it now. Faith is patiently waiting in the middle of our storm and knowing that the Storm Chaser is close by! Faith is peace and knowing to be still.
When we go through trials and experience God’s deliverance later it better equips us to minister to others by sharing our experience. Our pain and suffering is never wasted or lost. It’s all part of a greater plan that will be revealed later. Our real-life experience brings empathy, compassion and understanding to others that are also hurting. We can truly say, “I’ve been there, done that and I know what you’re going through. God brought me through it, and He’ll do it for you, too.”
Paul the Apostle endured lots of suffering:
- kidnapped
- beaten
- put in jail
- shipwrecked
- bitten by a snake
- threatened
- ridiculed
- put to death
Suffering is like a thorn in our flesh. Many of us experience different versions of suffering – some physical, some emotional, some financial, and some relational. Here is a word of encouragement from Paul the Apostle:
“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
II Corinthians 12:7-10 NKJV
I love the words of this song:
“His grace is enough for me, for me,
His grace is enough for me;
Through sorrow and pain,
Through loss or gain,
His grace is enough for me.” – J Bruce Evans
Today, trust in God and believe that this season shall pass. Believe in your heart that God loves you unconditionally. Don’t give up today! Keep the Faith!
Praying for all those going through times of testing. Say amen in the comments if you believe!
