Endures in Suffering

Faith Talk

Jun 13

Believing in God Doesn’t Make Your Sufferings Disappear

Some people believe that they should seek God only for blessings. This will absolutely lead to disappointment with God. As followers of Jesus, we should know that Jesus suffered for us. Being the Son of God didn’t make the sufferings go away.

Scripture - Romans 5:3-4 (ESV)

“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope”

Observation

Paul challenges believers to view suffering as an opportunity to strengthen their faith. Trials in our lives are meant to refine and strengthen our faith. Our goal as believers is to be more like Jesus. Sufferings are tools for spiritual maturity. I know it is easier said than done, and that’s why trials are needed to strengthen our faith. It’s a practice to have faith in God when things get hard. Just like when we go to the gym to improve and practice our muscles, we are willing to train our muscles, knowing it will be painful the next day. But our muscles are getting stronger and healthier. Sufferings are gym training to get a bigger faith in God.

Application

What you can do when you are faced with difficulties:

Choose to seek God first by praying, fasting, or opening your Bible. It’s okay to feel sad or angry when you face difficulties. But don’t let your emotions lead you to sin.
Worship God. Praise Him when you suffer. Acknowledge God as the ultimate of all good. No matter what you feel or what you face now, acknowledge Him.
Practice gratitude. It wasn’t easy to give thanks when you’re in difficulty. But you should try to practice gratitude in any circumstances. Give thanks to the LORD who has always been faithful to us. Never leave us.
Keep trusting the LORD. Because when everyone leaves us, He’s the only One who will always be with us forever.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding me the sufferings that happened in my life will strengthen our faith in You. Teach us to trust You when we suffer and desperately need Your help. Teach us to seek you first no matter what will happen to us. Forgive me for leaving You easily when things get hard and lean on myself. Give me strength to persevere, shape my character, and fill me with hope that comes from You. In the name of Jesus. Amen.