Suffering

February 28th – Galatians 5:26

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Galatians 5:26 

Society today glorifies wealth, fame, power, and aggression above all else. This makes it a real challenge for Christians to live by the Spirit rather than the flesh. For temptation is everywhere we turn. And the sins of conceit, provoking others, and envy, are easily given in to. Especially when we ourselves are hurting, suffering or wanting. But we can guard ourselves against these negative attitudes by instead cultivating the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. Fruits including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And fruits that keep our focus off ourselves, and our own desires. Putting them instead where they belong, on God and others. Allowing us not only to live in love, joy, and peace, but build healthy relationships with others and most of all, honor God.

February 28th – Galatians 5:26 Read More »

January 21st – 2 Corinthians 12:9

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

2 Corinthians 12:9

Although we aren’t told specifically what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, we can relate to the suffering he endured. For whether it be emotional, physical, or spiritual, each of us have our own thorns to bear.  Thorns for which we have pleaded with God to remove. And sometimes He will do just that. But what happens when His answer is no?  What if instead He wants us to endure? Paul tells us we are to rejoice in our sufferings. For although the thorn may remain, God is at work strengthening the one under it. Instead of becoming bitter, angry, or frustrated, Paul embraced the thorns in his life. He understood that it was in his weakness where Jesus would be glorified, and where he would most experience God’s grace. It’s often in our lowest times when God can do His greatest work. Although we might not understand why God allows suffering into our lives, we can rest in the knowledge that when trouble does knock at our door He will be there.

January 21st – 2 Corinthians 12:9 Read More »

December 5th – Habakkuk 3:19

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Habakkuk 3:19

It’s easy to have a deep and obedient faith when God answers our prayers exactly the way we want. But what about when He doesn’t? The prophet Habakkuk cried out to God to deal with the wickedness of Judah. But when God’s answer was the nation’s destruction, Habakkuk couldn’t understand the Lord’s reasoning. Have you ever felt like that? Unable to understand why God’s answer to your prayer would involve suffering? In Isaiah 55:8-9 we are told that the thoughts and ways of God are higher than our human brains can comprehend. So even if we don’t understand His methods, we can trust that God uses all things for our good. (Rom. 8:28) That’s what faith is all about! Trusting that even though this life is filled with trials and suffering, and we don’t have all the answers, we can still praise God. For He is our strength and our joy. And in His perfect love will never let us falter, carrying our feet to high places of safety!

December 5th – Habakkuk 3:19 Read More »

November 24th – 1 Peter 2:24

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

1 Peter 2:24

I am thankful Jesus paid the sin debt of every person who has ever lived 

Knowing full well the agony He would endure, the Lord willingly and lovingly left His glorious place at the Father’s side. All to pay a debt He did not owe, and to give us a gift we do not deserve. And it is only through His great love and sacrifice that we can have eternal life. I love the quote by D.A. Carson which says, “It was not nails that held Jesus to that wretched cross; it was His unqualified resolution, out of love for his Father, to do his Father’s will—and it was His love for sinners like me.” Jesus suffered for us. He suffered for you, for me, and for all who receive Him as their Savior. He was beaten, flogged, spit upon, ridiculed, and nailed to a Cross to die an excruciating death. And It is by those wounds, that shed precious blood, in which we are healed. On this day of thanksgiving, may we praise the Lord above, who died to give us life, and who removed the penalty of our sins forevermore!

November 24th – 1 Peter 2:24 Read More »

October 29th – 1 Peter 5:10

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

1 Peter 5:10

God’s Promise – “I have called you to My eternal glory in Jesus Christ.”

Peter makes it clear that there are no ifs, ands, or buts. As long as we are here on this earth, we will experience suffering. While Christians aren’t immune to trials and pain, we can find peace knowing God is always in control. And from His unending grace, our loving Father never lets us suffer in vain. For there is always a purpose for our pain, with no storm lasting longer than God allows. About suffering pastor Paul Chappell says, “Suffering is painful for us to endure or to see those we love endure. While our instinct is to flee trials, remember that even in the midst of suffering, God’s will is being done.” Although we must suffer a little while, one day soon God will call us home. And never again will we know anything but joy, gladness, and peace. But until that glorious day we can trust that with each trial, God establishes, strengthens, perfects, and matures us. Walking side by side with His children until they dwell with Him in eternity!

 

October 29th – 1 Peter 5:10 Read More »

September 28th – Psalm 31:9

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Psalm 31:9

Throughout the ages people have asked how a loving God could allow suffering in the world. And in the depths of my despair I too have asked that same question. How could my Father let me, His child, become broken, in pain, and filled with sorrow? But time, hindsight, and prayer have taught me that instead of asking why, I simply need to trust. Trust that no matter the suffering I endure, God always has a purpose for my pain. As long as there is sin, there will be suffering. And whether or not we know the reason behind God letting it in our lives, of this we can be certain. He will never make us suffer alone. For, “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart” (Ps. 34:18) Not a single tear we cry goes unnoticed by our Father in heaven, who collects each and every one in His bottle. (Ps. 56:8) And if we let Him, He will be there each step of the way. Lovingly God will see us through the pain, ready, willing, and able to fill our aching hearts with peace and gladness.

September 28th – Psalm 31:9 Read More »

September 15th – Ephesians 3:8

2 Comments / Daily Devotional /

Ephesians 3:8

Paul was a man who tried to destroy God’s people. Yet not only was he pardoned, but given the great privilege of spreading God’s message and building His church. But the assignment came at a high price. Paul was beaten, stoned, jailed, shipwrecked, and robbed, among other sufferings. Still, regardless of the set backs, Paul faithfully carried out his task. Throughout the world he fearlessly preached and wrote about the inexhaustible riches and generosity of the Lord. Jesus promised that all who follow Him in faithful obedience, will suffer. (2Tim. 3:12) Does that mean we’ll experience troubles and hurt along the way? Yes. But God’s grace will comfort and love us through. Paul didn’t want the Ephesians to feel sorry for the tribulations he endured. Because he was being used in a way greater than he could ever imagine. If we let Him, God will us too in great ways. And the rewards awaiting our obedience, far outweigh any troubles we experience in the Lord’s name!

 

September 15th – Ephesians 3:8 Read More »

June 5th – 1 Peter 4:19

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

1 Peter 4:19

Some people mistakenly believe that being a Christian gives you a “get out of jail free card” when it comes to the trials of life. But adversity is a result of living in a fallen world. And believers aren’t immune from the pain of suffering. Especially when trying to fulfill our duty to do the right thing. But we can find comfort in knowing God uses all things for our good. He may use our faith during hardships as a beacon pointing others to Jesus. God may use our struggles for His glory. Or, as is often the case, He may use our suffering to deepen our relationship with Him. But no matter the reason for our trial, we need to keep being obedient to the Lord. Keep doing the right thing. Because trusting God in all things, even when difficult times comes, always results in great blessings!

June 5th – 1 Peter 4:19 Read More »

April 25th – Romans 8:28

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Romans 8:28

This world, ruled by Satan, is filled with evil. And each day grows darker than the one before. That’s why every fiber of my being cries out for the return of Jesus. Oh how I long for my glorified body, and to dwell with the Lord forever. Because let’s face it. This side of heaven is a tough place to be. We know Jesus Himself promised rocky times for His followers dwelling on earth. (2Tim. 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 gives us another promise. Everything we go through, God will use for good for those who love Him. All God asks, is that we trust in the uniquely wonderful plan He has for each of us. In patience, to continue loving, obeying, and praising Him, in good times and bad. All while remembering that while we wait for Christ’s return, neither a smile nor a tear is wasted.

 

April 25th – Romans 8:28 Read More »

April 21st – John 19:25-27

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

John 19:25-27

Jesus is in a terrible agony, with a deep concern in his heart. Concern not for Himself, but for His mother Mary and His devoted followers. Because He sees how they’re suffering at the feet of His cross. The Lord wants His loved ones to be cared for as only a family can. So as one of His last gifts, He asks His beloved John to care for Mary, accepting her as his own mother. And in turn, asking Mary to accept John as her own son. Of this gift of family John Piper once said, “ One of the gifts Jesus gave to us from the cross was the church. A loving, caring, sustaining, encouraging family beyond family. And it is a great encouragement to our faith that He illustrates the meaning of the church the way He did in the relationship between John and Mary. If Jesus could provide for the needs of His own in the moment of His greatest weakness and humiliation, how much more can He provide for your need in His present wealth of power and exaltation!” A great encouragement indeed!

Blessings,

Mari

April 21st – John 19:25-27 Read More »