Posts with the tag “suffering”

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." - Romans 8:17 Being God's child means more than just having His love; it means having His inheritance. You're not just adopted into God's family; you're made an heir of everything He owns. You share in Christ's inheritance as a co-hei...  Read More

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues him from them all." - Psalm 34:19 David's honest acknowledgment that righteous people face many afflictions might seem discouraging at first glance, but it actually provides tremendous comfort. This verse validates our experiences of difficulty while affirming God's ultimate faithfulness. Walking in truth doesn't exempt us from life'...  Read More

Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it that you are seeking?” Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will take him away.” - John 20:15When Mary saw Jesus standing in front of her, she assumed He was the gardener. That detail is easy to overlook, but it is incredibly revealing.Grief narrows perspective....  Read More

“Being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude.” – Colossians 2:7 Storms reveal more than they create. Pressure does not invent weakness; it exposes what was already there. When life shakes, what we are rooted in is revealed quickly. Some faith looks strong in calm weather but collapses the moment hardship arrives. Other faith st...  Read More

“God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” - Colossians 1:27 When Paul writes that Christ is in you, he is revealing something that had never been clearly understood before. For generations, the presence of God was confined to places. It was in the burning bush, the tabernacle, the holy of holies in the temple. Even...  Read More

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness" – James 1:2-3. Yesterday, I made a statement I want to look at further. That is, most people are more eager to be delivered than developed. We pray for rescue, for relief, for the quick way out. But God often chooses development over deliverance because He sees...  Read More

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." - Revelation 21:4 It’s one of the most common questions people ask when they look at the pain and injustice in the world: “If God can stop it all, why hasn’t He?” It’s a fair question. But the answer isn’t that God won’t,...  Read More

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 Suffering never feels good. Pain doesn’t make sense in the moment. And none of us would willingly sign up for the hard seasons that shake our world. But one of the clearest truths in God’s Word is that while He is not the author of evil or suffering, He is t...  Read More

"I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world." - John 16:33 If you’ve ever asked, “Why would God allow this?” You are not alone. In over two decades of ministry, I’ve sat in orphanages filled with children longing to be loved, stood by hospital beds as families prayed for miracles that didn’t come, ...  Read More

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18 You don’t need me to tell you there’s pain and suffering in this world. You’ve seen it. You’ve felt it. Maybe you’re feeling it right now. From the heartbreak of illness and broken relationships to the devastating images of war, injustice, and disaster on the news, suffering surrounds us every day. And it raises...  Read More

"Joseph took the body, wrapped it in clean, fine linen, and placed it in his new tomb, which he had cut into the rock. He left after rolling a great stone against the entrance of the tomb." - Matthew 27:59-60 The day between Good Friday and Easter is often overlooked. It is the day after the suffering but before the celebration. It is the in-between. The silence after the cross but before the resu...  Read More

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5 Good Friday is a day that reminds us of the greatest act of love the world has ever seen. It was the day Jesus took our place, carried our punishment, and willingly endured the suffering that belonged to us. It was not just ...  Read More

"Yet you are holding on to my name and did not deny your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death among you, where Satan lives." - Revelation 2:13   In Revelation 2:13, Jesus extends a powerful compliment to the church at Pergamum. Despite living in a place described as “where Satan’s throne is,” they held on to His name and did not deny their faith. This ...  Read More

“Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer.” - Revelation 2:10)   Jesus never promised that following Him would make life easier. In fact, He explicitly warned of the opposite. In John 16:33, He said, “You will have suffering in this world.” This is a reality that the early Christians in Smyrna knew all too well. They were persecuted, beaten, and under immense pressure. Jesus acknowledged th...  Read More

“I know your affliction and poverty—yet you are rich.” Revelation 2:9   In the city of Smyrna, the early Christians faced unimaginable challenges. They were afflicted, enduring persecution and slander. They lived in poverty, often unsure of where their next meal would come from. Yet, Jesus looked upon them and declared, “You are rich because of your faith in me.” It’s a paradox that challenges our...  Read More

“I know your affliction and poverty—yet you are rich!” - Revelation 2:9   Following Jesus isn’t always easy—it comes with pressures to conform, compromise, and even abandon our faith. The early Christians in Smyrna faced intense opposition. They were pressured to renounce their beliefs, conform to the world’s standards, and return to their old way of life. Yet, amidst these challenges, Jesus reass...  Read More

“I know your affliction and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” - Revelation 2:9   Have you ever faced hardship because of your faith in Jesus? For many of us, it might mean being mocked, called names, or excluded from social circles. These challenges can sting, but they pale in comparison to the sufferi...  Read More

“I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victo...  Read More

“I know that you have persevered and endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.” - Revelation 2:3   In His letter to the church at Ephesus, Jesus acknowledges the church’s perseverance through hardships. He sees their steadfastness and commends them for enduring trials without growing weary.  Life is filled with challenges and hardships. We face trials in our personal lives, work, re...  Read More

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:9-12 As we continue our journey through the secrets of sacrifice, we arrive at the fourth flesh hook: Fellowship....  Read More

"About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' (which means 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?')." - Matthew 27:46   In the midst of His crucifixion, Jesus uttered a cry of anguish that resonates with the depths of human suffering. His words, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" reveal not only the intense physical pain He was experienc...  Read More

"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5   Reflecting on the portrayal of the crucifixion, it's easy to recognize how our modern depictions often fall short of capturing the true horror and brutality of the cross. We may have grown up witnessing Passion Plays, wher...  Read More

"He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem." - Isaiah 53:3   Today, I want us to take a look at the emotional suffering that Jesus endured before the cross. As we reflect on his journey, we gain insight into the depth of his love and the significance of his sacrifice...  Read More

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more.” – Revelation 21:4Ever heard the skeptics’ question, “If God can eradicate evil and suffering, why hasn’t He done it?” Here’s the scoop: just because He hasn’t done it yet doesn’t mean He won’t. The Bible holds a promise, a day etched in the fabric of eternity, when sickness...  Read More

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 Let’s dive into a truth that, despite the pain it addresses, carries a glimmer of hope: Although suffering isn’t good, God can use it to accomplish good. Now, you won’t find a single line in the Bible claiming that God is the author of evil and suffering. ...  Read More

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed.” – Genesis 1:31 Ever wonder why God allows bad things to happen? It’s a question skeptics throw our way, challenging the very fabric of our faith. The truth is, God didn’t create evil and suffering, but He does allow it.When God fashioned this world, it was pristine, perfect—very good, as Genesis 1:31 declares. You might be ...  Read More

“In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 Twenty-two years in ministry have brought me face to face with the most challenging question: Why? Why do we encounter the heart-wrenching scenes of abandoned children in orphanages longing for love? Why do families face devastating accidents, leaving children orphaned? Why do we witness th...  Read More

God displays His wisdom through the church — including you. Discover the eternal payoff of a life given to Him.  Read More

Trouble is promised, but so is deliverance. Discover the Lord who rescues the righteous from them all.  Read More

We assume we know how God should act — and we're often wrong. Discover why His higher ways are worth trusting.  Read More

In the storm, competing voices call for your ear. Discover why whose voice you heed makes all the difference.  Read More

Sometimes discouragement comes as a whisper from those closest to us. Learn to hold your integrity when it does.  Read More

Paul learned contentment in every circumstance. Discover the secret to peace that doesn't depend on your situation.  Read More

God writes His strength into our weakness. Discover how He can change your story through the things you'd hide.  Read More

On the cross, Jesus felt forsaken so we never have to be. Discover the depth of what He endured for you.  Read More

In Christ, your condemnation is canceled. Discover the freedom of standing before God with no charge against you.  Read More

Whatever you're facing, Jesus understands — and God always provides a way out. Discover the help He offers in temptation.  Read More

In the garden, Jesus faced the cup and found no other way. Discover the obedience that opened the way to us.  Read More