Endure Sufferings

I know many people these days struggle with various difficulties and hardships. I am sure you do too. But there is good news, this is normal in this world of sin, especially for us who follow Jesus Christ our Savior. Yet, it doesn’t mean it is easy to deal with.

Remember what Jesus said: we must endure many trials, tribulations, and times of suffering. But He will use it all for your good, teaching, strengthening, and causing you to grow in Him if you are willing to endure for godly maturity and His call upon your life. Remember His promises that He is always with you and will never forsake or leave you alone.

John 16:31-33
31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 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.”

Here is some scripture the Lord brought to me this morning. May it encourage and comfort you in Jesus’ name.

1 Peter 4:1-11
1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.

4 With respect to this, they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

If you are following the Lord Jesus, you will have many struggles. But be encouraged, God the Father is in control, and He says that for those who love Him and endure to the end, there are rich rewards. Also, remember that in the middle of your sorrows, give glory, honor, praise, and thanksgiving to the One who saved you, and keep in mind that His promises are true. They will be fulfilled just at the right time by the hand of the Lord Himself.

Matthew 24:13-14
Jesus said, 13 “But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

Daniel 12:1-4
1 “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time, your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.

2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. 4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”