Draw Near to God in Suffering

Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know. — Jeremiah 33:3

At some point, we all wrestle with why God allows us to suffer and we wonder if it’s because He no longer loves us. But the truth is, some of the greatest lessons we ever learn come as the result of hardship. During those painful times, if we’ll cling to the Father, we’ll gain tremendous insight into His heart and mind.

Friend, when you experience trials, realize that God doesn’t want to hurt you (Lamentations 3:32-33). Rather, He has great things He wants to teach you — lessons that, unfortunately, can only be learned through sorrow (Hebrews 5:8). So when trouble strikes, be still and ask the Lord to show you what you can learn through the situation.

Your Savior is here — right now, right beside you.

Your loving heavenly Father is beckoning to you, asking you to draw near and learn His ways. So call on Him. He will answer you. And He will teach you great and mighty things that you need to know.

Father, what would You have me learn through my heartache? Teach me, my Lord — I am listening. Amen.

In His presence… call to Him and expect Him to answer.

Excerpted with permission from Every Day in His Presence by Dr. Charles F. Stanley, copyright Thomas Nelson.

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Your Turn

Many of us know people who’ve gone through a terrible trauma like the death of a child or loved one and then walked away from God because of disillusionment or anger at Him for allowing suffering. And yet we also have known people who’ve also endured horrific loss or tragedy and responded by clinging to God, trusting Him deeper, and surrendering in faith to His omniscience and goodness. What about you? Are you in a trial? Do you feel confused by why God is allowing it? Are you listening to learn what He will teach you? Come join the conversation on our blog! We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily