Every era on the earth has experienced its unique crisis’s. Some blame Adam and Eve for the calamities that occur that make no sense to our finite minds. Adam and Eve were the ones who opened the door that shifted mankind’s existence, from living in a sinless paradise, to being present where sin and all its counterparts are in full operation. If they had not given into the temptation of Satan, someone else eventually would. A key point is, that during the centuries of human existence, there has always been suffering. Jesus suffered and we will suffer. The tests of fire, we will all experience, are allowed by our loving Heavenly Father. Almost daily we see or hear of someone getting sick, have experienced a close friend’s betrayal, a loss of a job, and about the many forms of abuse that are continuing to be rampant. We should pray for those who are struggling. We are blessed to bring their needs to the Lord. My Christian sister, we must arm ourselves daily by putting on the whole armor of God and stand strong in the Spirit, even if we feel weak in the knees and the tears are falling.
It’s okay to ask God why, when we are going through suffering. But don’t become disillusioned, if you don’t get an answer that will explain the pain and make it all go away. Some of the suffering we may experience could be the result of making sinful choices and we are reaping what we sowed. Another reason we have suffering is because we live in a fallen world. There are multiple verses in the Bible to help strengthen us during trying times that our faithful God has provided. Our focus is of the utmost importance, don’t let Satan get you distracted by blaming God. Rather than focusing on why, focus on what. What do you want me to learn from this trial? Are there any selfish or prideful characteristics You are helping me to become aware of and to confess and forsake? In what ways am I living for my goals and my desires, rather than allowing everything in my heart to be processed through the purity of Your Word?
Prayer Tip #22 - Focus on God’s Purposes and Comfort During Suffering
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 1:6-7
“If God is good and God is good to me, then I must fill in the gaps of all the unknowns of my life with a resounding statement of trust: God is good at being God.”
― Lysa TerKeurst
Praise God in the pain, He is maturing you, you are learning to trust Him in a greater way. You are evolving spiritually to become more like Christ. My dear sister, keep your feet planted firmly in the truth of God’s Word. He promises us strength during trials. Accept it by faith, keep going forward Christian warrior! Suffering has a purpose, and that purpose is to be conformed to the character of Christ. Jesus doesn’t make any mistakes. He died so we could have the gift of salvation, live with a purpose and enjoy eternity in a heavenly paradise with Him.
Prayer Points - Pray over these requests:
We praise You for Your love and faithfulness in our lives.
We repent of any sins we have committed that reaped bad consequences.
Holy Spirit please keep us aware of staying in prayer for those who are suffering.
Help us to acknowledge that You are present when we encounter suffering.
You are a good God, and we want to process our trials through that truth.
Suggested Prayer - Pray these words in your heart or out loud:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that you are continuously loving and faithful. I ask you to forgive me if I have gone against Your will in my life and am now reaping the consequences. Please keep me aware of others struggles so I will keep them in prayer. Thank You that I can have Your strength, wisdom, and peace. Help me to focus on the fact that You are always present, and Your plans will turn out for my good when I live to follow You with all my heart.
In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!