Be Encouraged

When faced with something terrible or even horrific I have often heard people ask where was God? Why didn’t he stop this? I honestly don’t know the exact correct answer to that question other than to say we all have free will, the freedom to make unimpeded decisions for ourselves. The outcome of free will is our decisions or choices (good or bad) can affect many people. For negative consequentual outcomes Hitler comes to mind as does Putin. The ripple effect of their decisions have been catastrophic and wide reaching. The impact of their decisions global. To the extent of changing peoples way of living as well as their perspective on life.

Granted most of our choices won’t be as extreme as theirs, that said our choices and those of others can and will have an impact on those around us.

There is no better time than now to give your life to Christ, learning all we can about him, his nature, his promises and his love. Settling in to receive his love, mercy and grace. Learning all we can about his teachings through his Word in the Bible.

Sometimes God wants to bring us through the suffering so we can see where He walked with us. We almost always learn an important lesson when we face adversity. When we come through something we have the tools and the empathy, to help others facing the same suffering, heartbreak or hardship we’ve faced. .

When talking about Jesus the prophet Isaiah said: He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Isaiah 53:3

If Jesus in his perfection suffered why would we think we won’t suffer or shouldn’t suffer?

In case you aren’t convinced suffering will come to us all, or think it should’nt happen to good people, here’s a few more suffering scriptures to meditate on:

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted 2 Timothy 3:12

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened. 1 Peter 3:14

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10

1 Peter has quite a bit to say about suffering. He was the apostle said to be crucified upside down for his faith. Peter wrote to the early Christians to help them navigate life while they were being persecuted by the pagans.

1 Peter 1:6 is where he tells us to rejoice through the trials, or suffering, because they are temporary. When I think of the trials I’ve gone through rejoicing really wasn’t something I thought about doing. Yay, I’m going through a divorce, yay my teenager ran away, yay I just got fired!! Those aren’t rejoice-able moments. However after digging deeper into the true meaning of rejoicing I understand we are to remember and focus on the eternal perspective. Suffering is temporary, Heaven is eternal. Getting to Heaven IS definitely something I can rejoice about.

I’m not diminishing suffering, I’m saying the Bible told us to expect it, to stand firm through it and to hold on to our faith (rejoice) in God in spite of it. We need to find a way to endure it. Unfortunately we all want the Garden of Eden life in a rotten fallen world. Sorry, that’s not going to happen. Again, we do have Heaven to look forward too so…. Rejoice!!!

“Everyone will hate you because you are committed to me. But the person who patiently endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew‬ ‭10:22‬ ‭GW‬‬

Please believe me when I say God shows up in your suffering. He walks beside you, sends people to stand with you to pray for you and encourage you. He never turns his back on you or leaves you. He will always be with you!

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

There are promises in both the Old and New Testaments to assure us that God is always with us. No matter what’s going on God's peace, mercy and grace is available to us.

Those who follow Jesus should understand they are choosing a difficult road, from a worldly perspective (Matthew 5:10–12). It will, however, lead to eternal life

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew‬ ‭5:10-12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Be encouraged, the things of this world will pass, there’s no need to stay in a state of anguish or cling to that which was once good. God says trade our despair, our hurt, our sadness for joy. Allow him to exchange the ashes of life for a beautiful heavenly crown.

To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion—to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit—that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3

Praying you always look for reasons to rejoice in the Lord. Focus on the eternal perspective, always remembering He is your protector and helper. Call on him, talk to him in your time of need, distress or trouble. Praying you always feel his presence, protecting, helping and guiding you through your hard times. Amen.