Suffering

June 26th – Psalm 40:1

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Psalm 40:1

In times of pain and distress, we naturally yearn for immediate relief. We cry out to God for swift intervention and comfort. Our pleas are filled with urgency, desperate for Him to act and alleviate our suffering. Yet there are moments when His response seems delayed, and we find ourselves in a season of waiting. This waiting can feel excruciating, leading us to question whether God hears us at all. However Psalm 40:1 reassures us that God does hear our cries and His ears are always turned towards us, even when His answer isn’t immediate. The delay isn’t a sign of His absence or indifference, but a part of His perfect timing and deeper work in our lives. It teaches us patience, trust, and reliance on His greater plan. And in the waiting, God is shaping us, preparing us, and providing the strength and resilience we need. So while we may not receive instant relief, we can be confident that God listens, cares, and will ultimately act for our good. Turning our waiting into a testimony of His faithfulness.

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May 31st – Luke 18:8

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Luke 18:8

Here in Luke Jesus poses a poignant question, wondering if He will find faith on the earth when He returns. This question underscores the lifelong journey of faith each believer undertakes. A path inevitably touched by pain and suffering. Suffering is a universal experience, and while it can lead some to lose faith, it holds a deeper purpose in our spiritual growth. No one wants to hurt, but pain can refine and strengthen us. It can build resilience and deepen our dependence on God. Through trials, our faith is tested and purified, much like gold in a furnace. As we endure and overcome, our trust in God’s promises deepens, and our spiritual maturity flourishes. Each hardship is an opportunity to draw closer to God, to lean on His strength when ours falters. And it’s through these very challenges that our faith is proven genuine and true. So that when Jesus returns, He will find us steadfast. Our faith unshaken by the trials we’ve faced, stronger and more radiant for  having walked through the fire with Him.

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May 28th – 2 Timothy 3:1

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2 Timothy 3:1

Many people mistakenly believe that being a Christian guarantees a life of smooth sailing, free from trials and tribulations. However Jesus promised exactly the opposite. He assured us that we would face hardships, persecution, and challenges because of our faith. And as we draw closer to His return, these difficulties will intensify for followers of Christ. The world will grow increasingly hostile towards those who uphold biblical truths and live according to God’s standards. Yet despite these challenges, we are called to remain steadfast and faithful, knowing that our sufferings are not in vain. Because it’s through our trials in which our faith is refined and our dependence on God deepened. That’s why the promise of His return gives us hope and strength to endure. For Jesus has overcome the world, and He will be with us through every storm. We can trust in His unfailing love and the ultimate victory we have in Him. So as we await His return, let us cling to our faith and in the eternal glory that awaits us.

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May 15th – 2 Corinthians 4:18

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2 Corinthians 4:18

As Christians, we are called to have eyes that focus on the eternal promises of God. With faith as our lens, seeing the unseen and trusting in His unchanging truth. As we await the return of Jesus, let us fix our eyes on the eternal glory that awaits us. For though the troubles of this world may be many, they are but temporary shadows compared to the radiant light of God’s kingdom. So let us not lose heart in the face of adversity. Instead let us focus on the unseen realities of His eternal realm. Because in that beautiful and glorious kingdom, treasures beyond our comprehension await us. Treasures that far outweigh any present suffering we may endure. In light of that truth, may we press on with faith and perseverance, knowing that our current trials are but a passing moment in the grand scheme of eternity. For the glory that will be revealed in us surpasses all earthly pain and hardship. Therefore, let us eagerly anticipate the day when we will be united with Jesus forever, basking in the fullness of His love and glory for all eternity.

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March 28th – Luke 22:44

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Luke 22:44

As we celebrate Christ, His death and resurrection, one of the most painful parts of the story is the Garden of Gethsemane. For it was there when the weight of all our Savior was about to endure overcame Him. Such was His anguish, that His soul was overwhelmed to the point of death. And falling upon His face, three times Jesus prayed that if possible, God would remove the cup from which He was to drink. There will be times when we will find ourselves face down in our own Garden of Gethsemane. When God permits suffering and we are pressed spiritually to the point of agony. It’s then when we need to follow the example of our Lord. First, in fervent prayer we are to cry out to our Abba, Father. Emptying before Him our hearts filled with fear and sorrow. And when His answer is for us to endure, we are to humbly submit before God saying, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” Drinking the cup of suffering is never easy. But we need to trust that God’s plans are always best, and used for both our benefit and His glory.

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March 26th – Matthew 24:3

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Matthew 24:3

The Mount of Olives was a special place in the life of Jesus. It was there He made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where His dear friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived, and where He was betrayed by Judas. So how poignant is it that while Jesus stood on the Mount of Olives, teaching the multitudes about love, mercy, and the Kingdom of God, that He would soon bear the weight of humanity’s sins in that very place. The serene backdrop of the sermon starkly contrasts with the agony Jesus would endure amidst the gnarled olive trees, sweating drops of blood as He faced the impending crucifixion. The same hill that bore witness to His teachings would become a symbol of His ultimate act of love and obedience to the Father. It serves as a beautiful reminder that even in the depths of suffering, there is hope. Because it was on that hill that Jesus willingly surrendered Himself for the salvation of humanity. And through His sacrifice we have the gift of an eternity spent by His side.

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March 3rd – Matthew 26:39

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Matthew 26:39

The Garden of Gethsemane, known for its olive trees, was a place of pressing both for olives and Jesus Himself. For it is there where, in His humanity, our Savior grappled with the weight of what He was about to endure. So much so, that He sweat drops of His precious blood. Yet also in this garden of pressing, Jesus demonstrated His complete submission to the Father’s will, showing us the perfect example of obedience and surrender for all time. Because despite His incredible agony Jesus declared, “Not as I will, but as You will.” This amazing sweet surrender of our Lord, echoes through the ages. It stands as a beautiful reminder of the importance of submitting our own will to God’s divine purpose. As we reflect on Jesus’ surrender, we are brought to our knees in humility and gratitude at His sacrificial love. A  love so deep, Jesus was willing to endure unimaginable suffering for our sake. With hearts overflowing with love and thankfulness, let us follow His example and surrender our own wills to God. Trusting in His perfect plan and finding strength in His unfailing love.

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December 2nd – Psalm 62:1

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Psalm 62:1

Does it feel like life is one big waiting room? Waiting to see the doctor. Waiting in line at the grocery store. Waiting for next available representative. Over the course of a lifetime, we spend almost fours years waiting. Normally we wait without giving it a second thought. But when we’re hurting, when we desperately need a victory, the waiting becomes painfully unbearable. That’s how the Israelites felt as they endured suffering while awaiting their promised Messiah. The advent season is all about waiting. And the importance of trusting in God, in His timing and promises. But although waiting isn’t easy, we can find comfort knowing we never wait in vain. Nor longer than God intends. And He always blesses our faithfulness greater than we could ever imagine. So as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and await His glorious return, this Advent season invites us to share in the joy of God’s gift to humanity. And find comfort knowing the pain of waiting is nothing compared to the awesome goodness God has in store for us.

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November 30th – 1 Peter 2:20

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1 Peter 2:20

When bad things happen as a result of something we did, we understand the consequences that follow. But sometimes bad things happen when we’ve done everything right. And in those times instead of asking why, we need to accept that although not every challenge is earned, every challenge is an opportunity for spiritual growth. This calls for a unique form of endurance. One that perseveres in hope, even amid undeserved suffering. When we embrace hope in these moments, it becomes an act of profound trust. One that acknowledges God’s plan may transcend our immediate understanding. And that enduring with faith can lead to a deeper connection with His divine purpose. It’s an invitation to walk in the footsteps of Christ, who Himself endured unjust suffering. To find solace in the enduring hope that the Lord recognizes and honors such steadfast perseverance. And one He will wipe away every tear we cry, (Rev. 21:4), and replace our sorrow with everlasting joy!

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November 10th – Romans 8:18

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Romans 8:18

Jesus warned that while on this earth, His followers would experience rocky times. (2 Tim. 3:12) And there’s not a single one of us who hasn’t been touched by suffering or faced trials. But the apostle Paul also tells us that nothing, absolutely nothing we go through on earth can compare to what awaits us in heaven. The glorious treasures we will receive, including spending eternity with the Lord, encourages to endure the trials of today with the hope of a glorious tomorrow. And that hope becomes the fuel sustaining our endurance. For it reminds us that our current struggles are only a chapter in the larger story of redemption. Yet while it hurts to go through the storms of life, they are only temporary. God is in complete control, guiding and loving us along the way. And He promises that the trial will last only as long as He allows. In the meantime we will continue loving, obeying, and praising Him in good times and bad. Finding joy and confidence that a brighter, more glorious future is on the horizon.

 

November 10th – Romans 8:18 Read More »