Are you struggling to find hope in suffering? In Philippians, Paul gives us an example of how to rejoice through trials. He tells us that pain is God’s present to help us grow in God’s presence.
There are always two agendas when it comes to suffering: the agenda of Satan and the agenda of Jesus. The same thing Satan wants to use to destroy your faith, God wants to use to refine your faith. God wants to use your suffering to deepen your knowledge of Him. He is your source of hope when all hope seems lost.
Three reasons to rejoice in the Lord even when you suffer…
1) It’s through suffering faithfully that we grow in our dependency.
2) It’s through suffering faithfully that we bring God glory.
3) It’s through suffering faithfully that we are being promoted eternally.
Don’t focus on the past. Don’t focus on the pain. Focus on the prize of Jesus. This is how you rejoice through trials and find the strength and hope to carry on.
A-Life prayer in times of pain and suffering:
Appeal – request with urgency
Lament – grieve and mourn
Intercede – petition and persist
Forgive – confess and forgive
Exalt – adoration and declaration