Finding Hope in Times of Suffering

 [Originally written August 7, 2022. This was a note that was posted to my account on the YouVersion Bible app]

Good morning, my friends!

I hope that this note brings you peace and strength as you go through another day. I have been seeking the Lord during a season of trials, and I have learned so much from others, from the Bible, and from the leading of the Holy Spirit. My entire view of suffering has been changed, and I find myself rejoicing in my suffering. I don't know who this is meant for, but I felt it on my heart to share some things to encourage those who are going through trials. I have included numerous verses, and I would include many more if I could, but I don't think this app would be able to handle all the verses that I would share.

1. Your suffering serves a purpose.

One of the best things about being a Christian is knowing that God is in control, that He loves us, and that He doesn't let us suffer for no reason. Perhaps we need to grow, or maybe we have done something that is deserving punishment/correction. Perhaps our suffering will draw us closer to God and help us to share the love of Christ with those who have yet to hear about it (this is what I have seen come from my situation). The bottom line is that whatever we experience as Christians will serve a purpose, it will advance the Gospel, and "in that I rejoice" (Philippians 1:18).

2. God will take care of you.

There is nothing that we could go through that Christ has not overcome. Jesus tells us that He has "overcome the world", so we have no need to worry about tomorrow.

3. The less hope we have, the more we seek Christ, which increases our hope.

This point is somewhat confusing, but it makes sense to me. When everything fails, when we have nothing left, when we cannot muster up the strength to continue living, God rescues us. When we seek Christ, we will find what He has planned for us, His blessing will be upon our lives and upon what we do, He will open doors that we could never open, and He will protect us from those who wish to harm us.

4. There is justice for those who suffer unjustly.

In Romans, Paul tells us not to avenge ourselves, reminding us of what God spoke: "vengeance is mine. I will repay". The Psalms have countless examples of God defending His people, and the book of 1 Peter describes the blessings that will come to those who suffer unjustly. God sees you, He knows the truth, He will take care of those who have wronged you. In my experience, the thing that tells me I am on the right path is when I begin to pray that God shows mercy to those who hurt me. God is just, He will repay. You do not have to worry about getting even. We must make the decision to forgive, to forget, and to seek Christ. If you cannot forgive, pray and ask God to help you. Tell God that you want your heart to be changed, and allow God to work in and through you.

5. Our pain is temporary.

This life is not the end of us. We live to serve God, so when we encounter trials, we can look toward the promise of Heaven. When we stand strong under trials, when we live according to God's Word, when we suffer unjustly, and when we seek the Lord, we will be blessed more than we could ever imagine.

I hope that this note has encouraged my brothers and sisters in Christ. When we wait on God, we are not just waiting. We wait as God works, and God will not disappoint us. No matter how hard life gets, God is with us, so who can stand against us?

Have a blessed day.

- Daniel Teberian

[These are the verses that I attached to this note]

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

- John 16:33

But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

- Luke 18:27

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

- Romans 8:18

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 3:14

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.

- James 1:2-4

Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

- James 5:11

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

- 1 Peter 4:12-13

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

- 1 Peter 5:10