God's Peace for When You Are Suffering

The heart of the Christian story revolves around suffering. Jesus suffered on the Cross for our sin, providing a way of redemption for us sinners. Suffering is something none of us want to go through, yet we are all prone to at some time in our lives.

Are you walking a difficult path through suffering right now? At times it may seem like there’s no end in sight, but don’t lose hope — for there is an end, there is always an end if you’re a believer. If you’re having trouble sleeping because of your current state of suffering, be it physical, emotional, or spiritual, be reminded of God’s holy Word and the messages of hope within.

While the heart of the Christian faith is about suffering, it also is about redemption. God takes broken things and makes them beautiful.

He is the Creator of redemption. As you lie in bed wrestling with your suffering, it can be so hard — and seem almost cruel — to be told that your suffering will birth something beautiful. Yet the Lord speaks truth in His Word: although those who love Him often go through suffering, it can be a time to draw ever so close to the heart of the Lord. During times of suffering, death, pain, and darkness are turned to rebirth, healing, and light when you are part of the Christian story.

As Christians, we are to expect suffering. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble,” but He followed up that statement with a beautiful, hope-filled statement: “Take heart.” You may wonder, Why? Why should I take heart when my suffering is so acute? The answer is this: Jesus has overcome the world through the death He suffered on the cross. Because of His work on the Cross, you can have hope in your suffering. The Lord has overcome evil, and He will bring you to a place of splendor.

Tonight, even in the middle of your suffering, take comfort in the words of the Lord, our Savior. Know that your suffering will be painful, but the Lord’s ability to strengthen you during this time — even grieve with you in your pain — can help bandage up even the most broken of hearts. Your present suffering, dear sister or brother, will reveal a greater glory. Fall asleep feeling confident of the Lord’s plan for your life; He will use suffering for good — He promises.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. — Romans 8:18

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

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. — John 16:33

Prayer

Father God, be near me in my suffering tonight. It is sometimes hard for me to accept that suffering is a part of life, but it is comforting to know that You are with me always and are working all things together for good. Renew my tired spirit and continually put before me the hope each new day brings.

Blessing

May you experience how deep and rich and wide the love of God can be in your life. May you see your present sufferings as nothing compared to the future glory that will be revealed in heaven. In the midst of your suffering, may you reach for God’s hand and cling to the redemptive work of the Father.

Praise

Thank You, Abba, for your perfect work. You take the ugly, painful suffering in this world and somehow turn it into beauty. You took the dust of the earth and fashioned it into human beings. You made the glorious, green earth out of nothing. and You will take my own personal struggles and make them into precious gems.

Excerpted with permission from God’s Peace for When You Can’t Sleep, copyright Thomas Nelson.

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Your Turn

Why? Why should I take heart when my suffering is so acute? Because of Jesus. He is with you in your pain. He is for you and promises to use even the terrible hurt that you are in for good. He will make what is ugly beautiful, what is broken whole, what is unfair just, and what is dead alive. He promises! Come join the conversation on our blog. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily