Growing up I had this idea that life was going to be a grand fairy tale. I would get married, have a family and everything would be peachy keen. I never thought of motherhood as the hardest thing I would ever face. I never anticipated fighting a battle with depression that would leave me desperate. I never imagined feeling hopeless. But these are all very real things I have faced.
Where do we get the idea that life will be easy and without suffering?
God never said this life would be easy and carefree.
So, what exactly does the Bible say about suffering and hardship in the believers life?
What the Bible Says About Suffering
1. “Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in my infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
In some versions of the Bible, this passage is mentioned as the thorn in Paul’s flesh. Whatever it was, Paul pleaded with the Lord to take it, yet the Lord allowed it to remain. This tells me that the thorns in our lives are for a purpose. The thorns and trials lead us to trust Christ more. The hardships make us desperate for Jesus. And maybe, just maybe, that is exactly where God wants us to be.
2. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James 1:2-3
Count it JOY when you fall into trials. Don’t curse the trial. Don’t wish it away. Our pastor has mentioned in several sermons, “don’t waste the trial.” The way we react and live out our lives in the midst of trials show a lost and dying world that God is trustworthy. When we are able to count it joy and praise Him in the storm, we bring glory to His name.
3. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
These trials? These sufferings? They are nothing in comparison to the glory that will be revealed one day. That gives me hope. It tells me that there is hope in Jesus, there is power in the name of Jesus and one day, every tear will be wiped away and every sickness will be gone. But for now, the trials in this life, they lead us {and others} closer to Jesus.
4. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Jesus point blank tells us there will be trials and tribulation. No ifs, ands, or buts. Jesus knows that if we follow in His footsteps we will be following Him to the cross — and the cross was a lot of pain and suffering.
5. “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter4:12-13
In this passage we are given the instruction to not be surprised by these fiery trials! Yet, so often, we are! We are instructed not to be surprised, yet to rejoice that we are given the gift of partaking in Christ’s sufferings.
So, what does all this mean? Why do I share these passages? I share them for myself as much as to encourage you. I need the reminder that in this world I will have tribulation. I need the reminder, also, though, that while we do have tribulation, Jesus has overcome the world!
There is hope and His name is Jesus.
Related: 10 Truths To Speak Aloud When You Feel Despair, FREE Devotions For Restoring Hope, Encouragement in Depression
3 Years Off of Anti-Depressants
I would love for you to read an update now that I have been off all of my anti-depressants for 3 years and am thriving. God has been so good to me. My mindset has changed. My health has changed. We are never truly hopeless if we have Christ. We have the power of the Holy Spirit living within us giving us the power to make the steps necessary to BE TRANSFORMED.
My Journey Off of Anti-Depressants
My wellness journey & 51 pound weight loss!
It’s so hard to see His purpose when we are hurting or suffering. It’s hard to see how we can serve Him through our trials and tribulations. When times get tough, there is a book I rely on to find how I can seek His purpose and how to serve Him. It is called The Red Sea Rules ( http://www.beingtheimperfectmom.com/red-sea-rules-robert-j-morgan/ ) and it focuses on Exodus about Moses and the Red Sea. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Brandi! I always love a good book recommendation, I will check it out!
Thanks for sharing these!
Wonderful reminder of God’s power and grace in our lives. Thank you Candace for the encouragement.
My problem is this:
If God was powerful enough to influence the pharaoh’s mind, why could he not have worked my mother’s mind not to go to a filthy hospital 100 miles from where she and my father lived even though there were good maternity hospitals close-by, where she had my other 2 siblings, resulting in me surviving meningitis and having to live with the consequences?
I just read this beautiful powerful message about our trials and tribulations and this still blesses in 2023.