Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. – 2nd Timothy 2:3 (NLT)
At one point or the other in life, we all are going to face hard situations that threaten our survival and progress. God in his mercy and love has given us so much encouragement about hard times in scriptures because He knows that having the right attitude to trying times is the only way to successfully run the Christian race.
Jesus left a promise to us about facing hardships before He returned to heaven: John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (NLT)
As Christians, we are counselled to endure hardships and not give up because our faith and the presence of Jesus in us is stronger than any situation we can face: 1 John 5:4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. (NLT)
Times of hardship are not meant to crush us, rather, they are there to test how genuine our faith is and make us stronger. 1 Peter 1:7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.(NLT)
The bible gives examples of men and women of God who did not give up during their trials and they were rewarded by God.
- Abraham and Sarah continued to trust God for a child even in their old age and God gave them a son.
- Joseph overcame slavery, temptation and prison to become the prime minister of Egypt.
- David overcame strong persecution and attacks on his life to become the King of Israel.
- Peter was able to overcome the shame of denying Jesus to become an effective apostle and a great evangelist.
So: What are you currently going through?, don’t give up, hope in God and He will turn your trial into a testimony.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for my trials, despite how I currently feel, I know my faith is getting stronger and all things are working together for my good. Amen