Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT)
Yesterday, I talked about how when I was walking through something really hard I decided this couldn’t be God’s will. As I pondered that thought, I was surprised. Where did I get that idea? Where did I start to believe that God would only allow easy things in my life?
Unfortunately, it’s one of the false things we are taught in our society and it’s probably bled into our gospel. Life should be easy. Life should be happy. We shouldn’t suffer. This is flat out wrong. It is through our suffering and through our challenges that we grow. It’s through the things that push us that our character is strengthened. Most important, it is during these times when we see God more clearly.
Just so we are not going on my opinion here. Let’s look at some Bible texts.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
The righteous person faces many troubles,
but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. Psalm 34:18-19 (NLT)
God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 (NLT)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 1 Peter 4:19 (NIV)
The Bible is pretty clear that when we follow Jesus, there will be suffering. It is also pretty clear that God will not leave us in the middle of it. He will be there, helping us, encouraging us and providing refuge.
My take away? If I love and follow Jesus I am going to experience suffering. Think back to all the people of the Bible and to Jesus himself. Everyone did. But I am not alone. God will not leave me to figure it out myself. Instead, he will grow me through it. I will learn more about him and his infinite love during these times than any other time in my life. I need to trust him.