Let’s face a simple fact, life is not and will never be easy. Often people will ask followers of Christ, ‘why are you not healed?’, ‘why are you still suffering?’, and many more to question your beliefs. When faced with anything that causes us suffering in life we can often get discouraged, often we can let our mind get the best of us. In times of suffering, we can have many thoughts race through our head while dealing with whatever the situation is. But we need to remember what God’s word says.
James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”. This verse clearly explains to always be joyful no matter what. An important word in this scripture is steadfastness, synonyms for the word steadfast are loyal, faithful, committed, devoted, dedicated, true, solid, and several more. So even in times of trials, we are to be faithful and must be steadfast, so that we can continue to grow both personally and in our relationship with Christ.
If you read further, James 1:12 says “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”. Those who go through hard times and keep their faith and trust in God will receive “the crown of life”. Jesus even told us in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”. By Christ dying on the cross and rising from the dead, he has overcome the world, like James 1:2-4 says we must be joyful during times of tribulation.
If you read in Romans 8:28 it says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”. If you have a loving personal relationship with God, all things work together under God’s purpose. Part of having a loving personal relationship also deals with being steadfast. Are you committed, devoted, and dedicated to staying in God’s Word and living your life accordingly? An important part in receiving the promises of God’s word is living your life accordingly and not just believing in your mind but in your heart.
If you read further in the Book of Romans, you will see in Romans 12:2 it says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”. God does not want us to be conformed to follow things of the world. Following the trends of the world we live in, leads to sin, which will draw us further away from God. To stay close to God we must accept his son as our savior, stay in the word daily, and do our best part in living our life according to his word and will for us individually.
Some other important verses to remember during struggles are:
- Psalm 27:1, “A Psalm of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?”
- Isaiah 41:13, “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”
- Ecclesiastes 7:9, “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”
There are many other scriptures I could go on about for times of struggle, but let’s remember to have faith in the Lord, and be steadfast, and all things for those who love Him work for the God of His purpose.