APP: I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve been asked by students, “How do you handle the pain?” Sometimes life sucks. It’s no wonder with all the abuse, suicide, divorce, rejection, loneliness, violence, and disease all around us. What do you do when you feel like you don’t want to live anymore? Who do you turn to for help? God has answers, and He wants to relieve the pain and walk with us through the tough times. It’s never easy, but we can make it through the most difficult times if we focus on Him instead of our circumstances. We will never be able to find an explanation for all the situations in life. God wants us to realize that He’s in control no matter what is happening. It also helps to understand that suffering is a natural part of life. Jesus promised that we would experience pain and that He has a purpose for allowing it in our lives. When pain and suffering strike, we have to put our confidence in God and not give up. The more we really get to know Him through prayer and studying the Bible, the better we will be able to make it through the storms of life.
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
1 PETER 4:12–14 NKJV
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 PETER 5:10 NIV
Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
JAMES 5:10–11 NIV
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
ISAIAH 41:10 NLT