“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings…Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:10,12

Are you presently going through any pain, suffering, or persecution because of your faith in Jesus? If so, I want to encourage you to not lose hope, give up, or give in. You’re not alone in it. God is with you to see you through. There are people who have gone through, and are still going through, the same thing.

In the text above, the apostle Paul shared about the things he went through in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, and about the persecutions he had to endure. He didn’t run away from them, but persevered through them patiently. Many of his hardships were unavoidable because of his mission to spread the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus. In another letter, he stated, “God will not allow us to go through what we cannot bear, but He also provides a way so that we can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

The testimony in his story was that the Lord rescued him from the persecutions and was with him as he endured. God knows the best way to deliver and rescue you from any suffering or pain you might be going through. Just trust Him through it all. We can expect persecution, not necessarily because we have done something bad or wrong, but simply because we have chosen to live a godly life in Jesus. Let us rejoice though, because God is with us in it and He will see us through.

Father, give me the grace to go through whatever pain or suffering that comes my way because of my faith in Jesus. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

Articles for Hard Times

Starting Over

Feeling Lonely or in Despair

When You Can’t Find an Answer

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The post Not Easy, But Possible appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, put painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11

When our old farmhouse was being renovated, ceilings, walls, and floors were ripped-out to make room for new ones. Dust and debris lay everywhere. We bumped our legs on scaffolding in the living room and stepped over cans of paint in the kitchen. The bathroom was out of commission as the water had been shut off. Trying to cook meals and carry on a normal family routine was a challenge.

As the days crawled by and I saw little progress, I began to complain.

“This stage is no fun,” the contractor agreed. “Later when you see the finished product, though, you’ll be glad you persevered.”

For peace of mind, there was only one thing to do: trust the contractor, that he knew what he was doing, and that the end result would make up for the temporary inconveniences.

When God wants to do something new in our lives, it is often preceded by major renovations.

Take for instance, Joni Eareckson Tada’s life. During a diving accident at seventeen, this vibrant athletic girl broke her neck and became a quadriplegic. Joni’s promising life lay in shambles. She was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. At first she couldn’t see how any good could come out of all this suffering. But God had a plan far greater than she could imagine.

Joni has headed up an organization called ‘Joni and Friends‘, which ministers to people affected by disabilities and supplies wheelchairs to thousands around the world. She has written several bestsellers, paints beautifully by holding a brush in her mouth, and is in demand as an international speaker. She says, “God is big enough to understand suffering, wise enough to allow it, and powerful enough to use it for greater good than any of us can imagine.”

Renovations are messy. Holding patterns are not fun. It’s the end result that makes it all worthwhile.

Have things turned upside down in your life? Let Paul’s words encourage you: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

Thank you, Father, that the plans you have for us are plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future.

by Helen Grace Lescheid
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

Change Me

The Plans

When Life is a Perplexing Journey

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“He…comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does He do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us” 2 Corinthians 1:3,4

For two years, Annette had suffered through the agony of her beloved husband’s terminal cancer. Meanwhile, their only son had been drawn into drug addiction through the influence of an undesirable group of students in the local high school. She was devastated. Her whole life was filled with heartache and sorrow. She had nothing to live for. Then a neighbor told her of Jesus – how He could give her peace of heart and peace of mind and could provide the purpose she needed in her life. He could even change her son.

So Annette received the wonderful gift of God’s love, the Lord Jesus Christ, and began to pray for her son. At first he was antagonistic, but gradually he became aware of the dramatic transformation in his mother, and in answer to her prayers, along with those of her new-found friends in the local church, he too came to worship the Savior and make Him Lord of his life.

In the meantime, Annette was suffering great financial difficulty because of the huge doctor and hospital bills and her lack of ability to work during her husband’s illness. But God wonderfully comforted and strengthened her so that now she can witness joyfully of His gracious mercy and faithfulness on her behalf. She and her son are ministering effectively to others who are experiencing heartache and tragedy similar to those which once plagued them.

Are you experiencing difficulties, sorrows, heartaches, disappointments? Ask the Lord to show you how to translate them into victories so that He can use you to be a blessing to those around you who are experiencing similar difficulties.

Bible Reading: II Corinthians 1:3-7

Today’s Action Point: Knowing that God is faithful in His love and wisdom, I will trust the indwelling Holy Spirit for the power to accept the trial or adversity I face today, and will expect God to use it to comfort and help someone else through me.

by Bill Bright
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Trials by Phil Ware

Wisdom for the Trials of Life

How Comforters Are Created

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The post Reasons for Trials appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

It is not in our human nature to want to suffer. In fact, our society encourages us to avoid hardship at all costs. But what if suffering was part of God’s plan for our restoration?

Paul of all people knew what adversity was. From an illness that was always upon him, to beatings, stoning’s, prison, and even shipwrecks, Paul experienced it all. Yet he knew in his heart that his sufferings were to be rejoiced over.

All of us have experienced various forms of afflictions and suffering: the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, income or home, divorce, sickness. I personally can attest to everything I just listed; however, I wouldn’t change anything about my life. Every form of affliction I have endured — and will endure — has brought me closer to God. These painful experiences have transformed me into who I am today.

Our restoration and hope in is Christ Jesus. Our suffering will restore our hearts, teaching us endurance, which will develop our character to be a reflection of His. This is our restoration in Him: to be one with Him as Christ was One with the Father.

Hear our cries today, Lord. You know our struggles. Help us to face our afflictions with a joyful heart, knowing that in them we will only grow closer to You. May we trust You with everything in our lives, so that You may restore our hearts to be one with You. Amen.

Thought: Do you feel overwhelmed by life right now? Ask God to change your mind and attitude about whatever afflictions you face this week.

Read Romans 5:3-5 again, and meditate on its promise of restoration and hope.

By Daniel Forster
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Suffering and Sovereignty

Growth through Suffering

Suffering – What is Suffering?

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The post Rejoice In Suffering appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Question: How does Jesus’ own suffering encourage you in times you suffer?

Go with me for a moment to witness what was perhaps the foggiest night in history. The scene is very simple; you’ll recognize it quickly. A grove of twisted olive trees. Ground cluttered with large rocks. A low stone fence. A dark, dark night.

Now, look into the picture. Look closely through the shadowy foliage. See that person? See that solitary figure? What’s he doing? Flat on the ground. Face stained with dirt and tears. Fists pounding the hard earth. Eyes wide with a stupor of fear. Hair matted with salty sweat. Is that blood on his forehead?

That’s Jesus. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Maybe you’ve seen the classic portrait of Christ in the garden. Kneeling beside a big rock. Snow-white robe. Hands peacefully folded in prayer. A look of serenity on his face. Halo over his head. A spotlight from heaven illuminating his golden-brown hair.

Now, I’m no artist, but I can tell you one thing. The man who painted that picture didn’t use the gospel of Mark as a pattern. When Mark wrote about that painful night, he used phrases like these: “Horror and dismay came over him.” “My heart is ready to break with grief.” “He went a little forward and threw himself on the ground.”

Does this look like the picture of a saintly Jesus resting in the palm of God? Hardly. Mark used black paint to describe this scene. We see an agonizing, straining, and struggling Jesus. We see a “man of sorrows.” (Isaiah 53:3 NASB) We see a man struggling with fear, wrestling with commitments, and yearning for relief.

We see Jesus in the fog of a broken heart.

The writer of Hebrews would later pen,

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death.” (Hebrews 5:7 NIV)

My, what a portrait! Jesus is in pain. Jesus is on the stage of fear. Jesus is cloaked, not in sainthood, but in humanity.

The next time the fog finds you, you might do well to remember Jesus in the garden. The next time you think that no one understands, reread the fourteenth chapter of Mark. The next time your self-pity convinces you that no one cares, pay a visit to Gethsemane. And the next time you wonder if God really perceives the pain that prevails on this dusty planet, listen to him pleading among the twisted trees.

The next time you are called to suffer, pay attention. It may be the closest you’ll ever get to God. Watch closely. It could very well be that the hand that extends itself to lead you out of the fog is a pierced one.

Question: How does Jesus’ own suffering encourage you in times you suffer?

By Max Lucado
Used by permission

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
https://maxlucado.com/about/

Original image from https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c2/46/bb/c246bbbce203df476766b7031810f8a6.jpg

Further Reading

•   At the Foot of the Cross – Powerful Poem

•  Touched by the Risen Lord by Elfrieda Nikkel

•  Salvation Explained

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The post The Suffering of His Broken Heart appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Stop being afraid of what you are about to suffer – for the devil will soon throw some of you into prison to test you. You will be persecuted for ‘ten days.’ Remain faithful even when facing death and I will give you the crown of life – an unending, glorious future” Revelation 2:10

I find this a very timely word of caution, for we live in a day when it appears that the enemy is making his last fling. I would not attempt to set dates, for it may be years, decades or even centuries before the culmination of all things.

But the fact remains that committed believers are facing persecution and testing as perhaps seldom before. You and I may be called upon to suffer for the cause of Christ. By faith, we are not to fear, knowing that an “unending, glorious future” awaits us.

This promise might apply equally to the physical suffering we encounter from time to time as a part of the natural order of things. If we can accept such suffering as part of God’s plan for us – one of the “all things” of Romans 8:28 that is working together for our good – we will be among those victors who are able to “count it all joy.”

As we consider these possibilities, we may be optimistic, even cheerful, knowing that we are already on the winning side – more than conquerors. And we need not be afraid, for “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Bible Reading: Revelation 2:8-11

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will count on God’s promise of Romans 8:28 to do only that which is good for me, regardless of the circumstances. He will enable me to live supernaturally.

by Dr. Bill Bright
Used by Permission

The post Awards for Faithfulness appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”  Proverbs 3:5&6

Cathy knew there was something wrong.

Even though her daughter Becky was an adult and lived out of state, Cathy still had a mother’s instinct.
Their last phone conversation left her unsettled.

She soon discovered Becky had an extramarital affair. Her husband threatened divorce.

Cathy so wanted to save Becky from the sorrow and suffering ahead. But she couldn’t.

Most of all, Cathy longed to see her daughter receive Jesus into her heart and life.

She couldn’t MAKE that happen either.  So this burdened mother prayed.

Oh, dear friend, there are limitations to what you can do for your children.

So recognize your limitations, share God’s love at every opportunity, and pray daily for them.

In God’s timing you will see results. Becky is now telling others how Christ saved her marriage!

Question:  Do you have a situation in your family which looks impossible?  Place it in the Lord’s hands.

By Vonette Bright
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Rebuilding After a Wife’s Affair

Unrecognizable

When Your Husband Has an Affair. What Should You DO

The post Parental Impossibilities appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:3

A few years ago, a popular Christian song depicted Paul and Silas at the midnight hour standing in a Roman prison cell, beaten, battered, and abandoned. Yet, their voices, singing praise to God, could be heard above the other prisoners’ sounds of despair.

As I imagined Paul and Silas’ bloody and bruised hands lifted in genuine heartfelt praise to God, I longed to have a heart that would praise him despite the circumstances. I pleaded for God to develop such a heart within me.

During that time, my thirteen-year-old daughter, April, suffered from curvature of the spine. Her condition worsened to the degree that it required surgery to prevent life-threatening heart or lung damage. My husband and I researched the doctor and knew he had performed the surgery multiple times. After the surgery, April would be in severe pain for an extended period of time. God had impressed it upon my heart to do a Bible study about suffering. I thought God was preparing me to help April endure the suffering she’d experience after surgery. But he had a different purpose.

April never woke up after that surgery. That began the most difficult journey of my life — learning to live without her. At times when I was drowning in grief, I’d praise God for the moments I shared with April.

Instead of focusing on what I’d lost, I’d focus on what we’d had. Through that journey, I’ve learned our strength to enduring difficult times doesn’t come from within ourselves but from God who inhabits the praises of his people.

Dear Lord, in the midst of suffering, help me find the boldness to praise you anyway knowing that you are in control, are always there, and care about me. Thank you for your love and mercy for me. Amen.

By Veda Lucas
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

• The Companionship of Joy and Pain
• What is there to say when tragedy strikes?
• Trusting God in Suffering
• Suffering and Sovereignty

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The post The Midnight Hour appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.”  2 Corinthians 7:6

Owen Shramek lived for only twenty minutes after he was born. His father, Dustin, struggled with anger. During the first months after the baby’s death, Dustin admits he felt very little comfort from God. He prayed, “God, I know You are sovereign.  I know that You are in control.  But the least You could do is draw near to us and give us comfort.”

Well, on the six month anniversary, Dustin was reading through the mail. Letters came from God’s people all over the world.  He came across the Bible verse: “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.”  God was answering his prayer through fellow Christians!

Dear one, be comforted. We are part of the Body of Christ. And it’s through this Body that He ministers to us. Even in our darkest days.

by Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

Further Reading

• Trusting God in Suffering – by Karen Woodard

• God Uses Our Suffering – by Charles Stanley

• How to Respond in Suffering – A Devotional by Helen Lescheid

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Expressing one’s true feelings is not a lack of faith.

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”John 16:33

Pain, suffering and hardships are normal ingredients of life. What we mix them with—fear or faith– makes all the difference. Jesus did not come to make us escapists but over-comers. How?

1. Honestly express your feelings.

Job exclaimed, “Yet when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness. The churning inside me never stops; days of suffering confront me… My harp is tuned to mourning and my flute to the sound of wailing” Job 30:26-31.

King David wrote, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?” Psalm 22:1.

Jesus said, “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour?  No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour” John 12:27.

Expressing one’s true feelings is not a lack of faith. It’s being real, and you must be willing to face reality before you can expect to overcome it. Like King David, who wrote many of the psalms, I find it therapeutic to write my feelings down in a journal. It makes the situation more real and valid. It also helps to talk to someone, but choose carefully whom you confide in.

2. Don’t suffer more than necessary by indulging in self-pity and bitterness. Some people get stuck in what if. If only. I should have. It isn’t necessarily our pain that causes us to suffer so acutely but our tendency to put ourselves down, to view pain or tragedy as punishment, failure, or proof of our inherent worthlessness.

I’ve seen people get stuck in a painful experience that happened sixty years ago. They talk about it as if it happened last week. People who won’t let go of the past are not able to enjoy the present.  They suffer more than God intended.

3. Don’t spend time and energy on asking why.  It’s not nearly as important to know the why in life, as it is to know the Who of life. Knowing God as a benevolent Sovereign who controls the events in my life gives me peace of mind. I can safely leave my why with Him and concentrate on the now what? Now that this thing has happened, what can I do to make it better? How can I help to bring some relief to those who are suffering? I can’t do anything about the why, but I can do something about the what. And that’s where I want to put my energies.

“Be still and know that I am God…The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”  Psalm 46:10, 11

By Helen Lescheid
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  Life Can Bring Joy out of Sorrow by Norma Becker
•  Fully Surrender to the Lord
•  Salvation Explained

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The post How to Respond in Suffering appeared first on Thoughts About God.

 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9

Mass shootings. Natural disasters. Refugees displaced by war. Famine. Starvation. Racial hostility.

Simply writing these things wearies me. Yet they’re a mere sliver of all the atrocities and injustice in our world. The list could stretch for pages.

The Bible teaches that God is perfectly just, and that he promises to right all wrongs and make all things new. In his coming Kingdom, “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4).

This dichotomy births a lament in my heart: “How long, O Lord? How long until you intervene?” And, if I’m honest, in my lowest moments it provokes doubt in God’s goodness, his power, even his existence. Will he actually return to make things right? Does he care? Is he even there?

Perhaps you struggle with the same questions. Clinging to God’s promises in the face of such evil and suffering can be exhausting, and at times feels impossible. In 2 Peter 3:9, we find a glimpse into God’s heart and the reason for our waiting. He withholds his intervention of judgment and renewal because he yearns for people to repent and come to know him.

What feels to us like slowness in fulfilling his promise is actually an unimaginable long-suffering on his part, motivated by his love. He feels the weight of evil and injustice (see Genesis 6:5-6), yet he bears it for the sake of all who will turn to him.

Lord, thank you for your astonishing patience and love. Forgive my doubt and impatience, and increase my compassion for those far from you. Give me renewed strength to trust you and your promises, and use me to share your great love with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Jason Weimer
Used by permission

Further Reading

•  Waiting on God – How Do We wait? – A Bible Study by Sylvia Gunter

• Prayerful Waiting – A Devotional by Max Lucado

• The Waiting Side of Faith

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The post How Long, O Lord? appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“After you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.” 1 Peter 5:10

Peter picks up the theme of our being perfectly equipped in Christ with these words:  “He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.”  God Himself must be the one object of our hope and trust in our work, our needs, and our desires.

Just as God is the center of the universe, the one guide that orders and controls its movements, so God must have the same place in the life of the believer.  With every new day our first thought should be: Only God can enable me this day to live as He would have me to live.

What should be our attitude towards this God?  Shouldn’t we humbly place ourselves in His hands and confess our absolute helplessness?  We must yield ourselves in childlike surrender to receive from Him the fulfillment of His promise:

“The God of peace equip you with all you need for doing His will.” Hebrews 13:20.

Some of us have learned how absolutely indispensable it is to meet with God every morning in prayer and to allow Him to take charge of our life for the day.  This is exactly the point Peter is trying to get across.  In light of what this day might hold for us, our heart must rest on God and His Word to restore, support, and strengthen us.

By Andrew Murray
Used by permission.

From: ‘Teach Me to Pray‘,
published by Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Further Reading

•   Father God’s Intimate Love Letter to You

•  God is Gentle and Humble

•  Salvation Explained

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The post The God of All Grace appeared first on Thoughts About God.