Sometimes I think my life is hard. I bet you also think life is difficult at certain times. You and your husband are not getting along. The kids are out of control. Bills are piling up. Your health is deteriorating. You feel that the best part of your life is behind you and that the future is bleak. A major crisis has taken over your life.
During hardship, it is easy to allow the circumstance to define you, even consume you until there is no hope of escape. But, what if comfort is found in the embrace and not the escape of suffering? What if the way to healing is not running away from but patiently enduring trials? Maybe that is why James writes to suffering believers, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow” (James 1:2-3).
Yesterday, I read these words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 and I think we should read them every time we experience suffering because they capture the essence of a proper perspective. “We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.”
Feeling crushed or overwhelmed by life’s circumstances? It may be time to stop running and start relying.
What is your usual reaction to suffering?
I love this verse: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow” (James 1:2-3).
You are an excellent blog writer. I’m very proud of you. I love you!
Thanks, Tom. I really appreciate this word, especially the verses from 2 Corinthians. I was teaching some students from James 1 recently and asked them to explain the message of verse 2 – one of them said, “Welcome trials with open arms.” I thought that was a great summary and beautiful picture of embracing suffering and trials as God-ordained means of growing in faith and learning to rely on the Lord.
By the way, my usual response to suffering is to lay down on the floor. I have issues.
Thanks for the comment.
I love the quote “welcome trials with open arms.” it takes a lifetime of learning to do that.
You have always had issues!
I visited your wife’s blog and found yours and this message. I’ll be honest….it’s hard for me to embrace suffering and the trials that come. This was right on time for us! I shared the message with my husband and with another friend that is going through some fire right now. Thank you for sharing this message. You have a great blog.
Blessings,
Candace
Thanks for visiting my blog. I’m glad it connected with what you are going through. I’m praying for God to sustain you and your friend during this time.
I don’t have a bible verse to go along with this. My Grandpa always told me “no matter what somebody always has it harder than you”. I think of his words, and it makes me thankful for what I have in life.
I’ve heard that before and it is so true.