Today’s Scripture
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.
(1 Peter 5:10)
Suffering is part of our lives, but many people do not enjoy talking about it. Life is not always rosy. We suffer from sicknesses, diseases, and other hardships. At one point or the other, we will experience pain and discomfort.
Being a believer does not mean that you will not face challenges and problems in this world. There is no guarantee of a stress-free life.
Jesus told us that as long as we are in this world, we will experience tribulations. Tribulation is a state of great trouble and suffering.
Even Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior suffered what is recorded as one of the most brutal and painful deaths in history.
He did not only face the pain of betrayal by His disciple; He was humiliated, spat on, and insulted. Also, His Father turned His back on him when He carried the sin of the world on the Cross.
It is common for unbelievers to mock Christians whenever they go through challenges. They feel that because you serve the Almighty God, then you should be living in a utopia.
You might have noticed the way your colleagues, neighbors, or even family members that you have once preached the gospel to or declared your faith to look at you in ridicule when you are facing a financial problem, marital problem, business problem, and other challenges.
They go as far as laughing at you and your God, and calling you names, and offering you ungodly alternatives to solve your problems.
This can be painful and heart-breaking. Sometimes, the devil tries to take advantage of this state of your life to sow the seed of doubts in your heart. Do not give him a chance.
The devil always comes whenever we are weak and down to tempt us and lure us into sin.
He tried the same thing with Jesus Christ after He had finished His 40 days and 40 nights fast in the wilderness. (Matthew 4:1-11)
The devil realized that Jesus was physically weak, so he tried to tempt Him to turn a stone into bread.
But Jesus countered Him with the Word of God, and He prevailed over the devil.
Perhaps, you are going through this phase of your life, and the devil is trying to mess with your head, do not give him a chance. Speak the Word.
The devil sometimes possesses people close to you and speaks through them to discourage and tempt you. Always rebuke him.
The Bible says we overcome him (devil) by the blood of the Lamb and the words of our testimonies. (Revelation 12:11)
Always declare the Word of God whenever you are battling with the devil in your mind. He cannot withstand the Word. Resist him, and he will always flee. (James 4:7)
Jesus was also mocked at His lowest point on earth. When He was nailed to the cross, the Roman soldiers mocked Him, saying something like this, “but you claimed to be the Son of God, how come you cannot save yourself now? Why not call on your father to kill us?” They cackled with laugher and sneered.
But one thing is true; God always shows up for His own. He will never leave nor forsake you even in your darkest hour. He always disappoints people wishing you evil.
After Jesus’ death, He was glorified and given a position at the right side of God. He was also given a name that is above every other name. What a glorious reward for all His sufferings!
Because Jesus is your perfect theology, and you are looking unto Him as the author and the finisher of your faith, you will also be glorified and experience a breakthrough and miracle after your travails and trials.
Jesus assures you in His Word that although you will face challenges, you should cheer up because He has overcome the world for you.
How has Jesus overcome the world for you?
1. He became poor so that you will be rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Jesus left His glory in heaven and came to this world in human flesh just because of you. He was born in the lowliest place to poor parents, just because of His love for you. Why will He not grant you your heart desires if you ask Him?
He wants to bless you; He is always happy and willing to bless you, all you have to do is ask and believe, and you shall receive. (Mathew 7:7)
Jesus is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20)
He can bless you beyond your wildest dreams and deliver you from all your financial sufferings if you trust Him and your motives are pure.
2. He took the whip so that by his stripes and wounds, you will become whole. (Isaiah 53:5)
If you are battling any health challenge, Jesus says the blood and the water that gushed out of His body when he was tortured is available for your healing.
There is power in the blood of Jesus. The blood saves and heals. Be assured that no sickness is too big for Him to heal. It does not matter if it is cancer, arthritis, bareness, etc. If He can raise Lazarus that was dead for three days, He can heal any dead or malfunctioning organ in your body. Do not believe that doctor’s report; accept what the living Word of God says to you.
His Word says, He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. (Psalm 107:20 NKJV)
3. He took the burden of sin so that you will be free from the yoke of sin and the devil and reign in eternity with Him.
Suffering is temporary, but faith in God and the kingdom of heaven is everlasting and cannot be replaced by anything.
Whenever you have pain, think about what Christ passed through on the Cross. Your pain is nothing compared to what Christ experienced. Yes, it hurts, but keep your eyes on the Cross, and you will overcome.
Thoughts for Today
Suffering makes us grow. We will hardly grow if everything is perfect. Sometimes, we need to be taken to a place where we depend on God.
God has promised to give you beauty for your ashes, oil of gladness for mourning, and a garment of praise of the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3)
Trust in Him today, and He will renew your strength.
Prayer
Thank you, Jesus Christ, for giving me your grace and your mercy. I cannot handle any suffering and challenge by myself. I need your blood to help me. In all of it, I give you the glory and praise. Thank you, my Heavenly Father, for giving your only son for my sins. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, I am redeemed from satan. Amen.
