Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9 NKJV
A lot of people experience suffering in their lifetimes. Interactions among the body of Christ will reveal this truth. In the body of Christ, there are people experiencing issues such as death of loved ones, sicknesses, financial hardship, marital problems, housing uncertainties, job unavailability, emotional and verbal abuse, child development hardships, personal insecurities among others. Sometimes individuals are troubled with one of these problems or two or three or more at the same time or in the same season of their lives. Sometimes they express that it feels like as they are coming out of one problem, they are entering into the next.
All of these can leave one to wonder: what is the purpose of pain and suffering?
Suffering is beyond endurance if one is not certain that God is for them and with them. The bible tells us in Joshua 1:9b, “Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”(NASB) Doubt prevents a person from accepting this truth about God’s omnipresence. Thankfully, the word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword like Hebrews 4:12 states. God’s word is a weapon against any doubt-inflicting thoughts.
For example, the experiences of Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego tell us that God is faithful till the very end. Daniel 3: 24-27 says:
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king [looked and] was astounded, and he jumped up and said to his counselors, “Did we not throw three men who were tied up into the midst of the fire?” They replied to the king, “Certainly, O king.” 25 He answered, “Look! I see four men untied, walking around in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt! And the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!” 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the door of the blazing furnace and said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out [of there]! Come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego came out of the midst of the fire. 27 The satraps, the prefects, the governors and the king’s counselors gathered around them and saw that in regard to these men the fire had no effect on their bodies—their hair was not singed, their clothes were not scorched or damaged, even the smell of smoke was not on them.
God is faithful to those who love Him, like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego experienced. You too will surely experience God’s love, and by this be freed from pain. This is one guarantee that is available because of your salvation; it is one truth that you can rest secure in. This allows you to lose all fear, humiliation or shame, for the Lord will not allow you to be disgraced. Experience the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Receive your healing by faith and rejoice in suffering: “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Romans 5:3-4
PRAYER: Dear God, thank You that You are with me even when I am walking through pain and suffering. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Thank You that You are my strength and shield. Thank You that You have given me victory. Teach me to love You till the end. Teach me to trust You till the very last day. Teach me to put my trust in Your word; for You are always there for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.