“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus… Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel…” 2 Timothy 2:3,8
Many men, women, couples and Christian families may be going through times of suffering, pain or anxiety as a result of difficult circumstances. Abandonment, illness, financial problems, problems with children, infidelity or separation, or uncertainty about the future are just a few examples. They can make people feel discouraged or abandoned by God, because they think that He is not responding. In these moments, some think that they are paying for some past sin, or that they do not have enough faith to change the situation. For the vast majority, though not all, their faith in God can come into conflict because of their situation and they can lose trust in Him. Many believe since they are Christians, serving in the church, not doing anything bad and following scripture, that God must keep them from anything bad that could possibly happen. For them, suffering has no purpose. They believe that being on God’s side means that he will not allow anything bad to ever happen. But reality tells us otherwise. Many times as believers we suffer through difficult, distressing times, but that does not mean that our Lord has forgotten us. The Word of God does not guarantee that nothing will happen to us, or that we will never have financial problems. It never assures us that we will not have health issues or that we will be exempt from suffering or fear. It does not tell us we will always be happy. What the Bible says is, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) As Christians, this last phrase should be our standard in moments of crisis. We must trust that he has conquered the world and suffering! That gives us peace, not peace that the world offers, but that which comes from his presence. It allows us to face whatever comes. It gives us strength and hope in the midst of what we are facing.
Beloved friend, we do not know what you are dealing with or what you are suffering, but we can tell you not to lose faith in God, because he will continue to sustain you even when you no longer have the strength. He will dry your tears and give you hope in the mist of hopelessness. He will give you peace in the midst of uncertainty. God has overcome your suffering. He will never leave you, and He will make you even stronger when you overcome the situation you are facing now.
May God help you in what you have learned today.
Dr. Miguel and Irene Garita
Family Care Ministry
Mesoamerica Region
