Be Patient In Affliction
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)
Suffering is a part of life. It’s especially a part of the Christian life.
12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…(2 Timothy 3:12)
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)
Yet in all our suffering, no matter what it is, we are to continue moving and doing what God has called us to do. We are to be patient in affliction and wait upon God. We are not to give up when we do not see a change, but we are to persevere and continue on, trusting in God for our needs.
In James 5, James instructs us not to lose heart but to wait upon God. He gives examples of the Old Testament prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord and spoke of their suffering and patience. He reminds us what they endured, yet persisted in their work. God loved them but they were not exempt from suffering as Christ even warned us we will suffer, but we must persevere. James speaks of Job’s perseverance and his refusal to curse God despite his severe suffering. He reminds us of the end intended by God and what God’s ultimate goal was for Job. Job was a good man prior to his suffering, but he became a better and more blessed man after it in character, humbleness, and was more blessed than before. When we understand that God has a good purpose for us, we will see our painful times in a different light.
Charles Spurgeon writes the following:
“If a man were to attack me with a knife, I would resist him with all my strength, and count it a tragedy if he succeeded. Yet if a surgeon comes to me with a knife, I would welcome both him and the knife; let him cut me open, even wider than the knife-attacker, because I know his purpose is good and necessary.”
When we are going through difficult times and we are not the cause of it, we must ask God what He wants us to see and learn from it and remember that He works everything together for the good of those who love Him. When we don’t see change in our situations, we must stand firm on the Word of God and wait upon God and not give up. We must be even more persistent in reaching the goal as the enemy is persistent in trying to stop us from reaching it. When doubt and fear come to mind, raise your shield of faith and utilize the Word of God to combat the thoughts, reminding yourself and the enemy of what God says.
Let us keep our eyes focused on Christ and wait upon Him. He will not fail us nor forsake us. He is a true King and leader that we can count on.