Sometimes, I grapple along this Christian journey, and not so much with exercising faith and trusting God, but more so, with endurance and navigating the trials we encounter along the way. It can be hard y’all. You give things up, you humble yourself, you fast and pray, the whole nine! Then you find yourself in what seems to be a prolonged season of challenges, and the truth is… it be like that sometimes. There are a ton of passages in the Bible about waiting on the Lord and trusting Him even when things don’t look the greatest, and how God is working on your behalf even when you can’t see it. But if we’re being honest, there are times that it feels as though you’re suffering. Straight up. There’s a song that asks the question, “Why God? Why God do I have to suffer?” and it’s a fair question, but the suffering itself isn’t something God didn’t consider in this whole Christian thing. In fact, if we’re suffering for the sake of God’s will, we’re blessed. 1 Peter 3:13-18 reminds us that the suffering we endure as believers is good, just as Christ’s suffering for all of us is good. His death in the flesh and resurrected life in the spirit made it possible for us to endure suffering for His sake.
There was a time when I was going through it, and of course, like many people, I was dependent on God, but I neglected to depend on the community He had given me. If you’re experiencing what feels like more than you can take – despite the prayers, prophetic words, Bible Studies, and more, if you’re still feeling defeated and you’re fighting to hold on, please take my advice. Reach out to your community, and if you don’t have one, I beg to differ. Un-Associated is a ministry first, but a community nonetheless and we got you, so you don’t have to go through this thing alone. We’re always taking prayer requests on our website and social media, so consider yourself a part of our community! 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 reminds us that we are all part of the body of Christ, so, if one part suffers, the whole body suffers. That means that we’re in this thing together. As God’s children, we share in the sufferings of Christ, but we also get to share in the glory on the other side (Romans 8:17)! So, don’t be discouraged and don’t go through this season alone.
I want to end this devotional with some encouragement that I pray helps you. There are two things I want you to look forward to that happen during and after the time of suffering. The first is the revealing that takes place. Romans 8:18-19 says that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us and that all of creation waits in eager expectation for the revealing of God’s children – you and me! Pay attention to the things you do, think, and say during your time(s) of suffering. Take note of situations you’ve dealt with before and see if you’re responding differently. Take note of sudden sparks of ideas and creativity. God is revealing you… to you, so that once this is over, all of creation gets to enjoy what’s been revealed.
The second thing which is waiting to meet you on the other side of suffering is restoration. 1 Peter 5:10 is a whole gem because it’s jam-packed with three important things. A reminder, an acknowledgment, and a promise. This verse reminds us that we’re called to His eternal glory, it acknowledges that we’ve endured suffering for a little while – it won’t be long, so hang in there. It promises us that God will restore us, making us strong, firm, and steadfast.
I know it be like that sometimes, but don’t sweat the suffering. You’re guaranteed to be revealed as better than before. God won’t waste this tough time, so keep pushing through until you reach the other glorious side of this. We’re rooting for you, and all of creation is waiting to see the ‘you’ that gets revealed.
