Remember God’s Track Record
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19).
Everyone struggles with afflictions.
How do you handle hardships, illness, misery, and suffering?
Do you feel like quitting when afflictions come? Or do you face them as Job did and say, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15)?
Perhaps your response is more like Paul’s: “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
If we cannot endure hardness as good soldiers, we may be missing something important about how God works through suffering.
SCRIPTURE REMINDS US THAT AFFLICTION IS NOT WITHOUT PURPOSE.
Paul also writes, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory ... for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17–18).
Jeremiah likewise speaks of affliction and misery, yet turns his heart toward hope: “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23).
God’s mercies are new every morning, and the sufferings of this present time cannot compare with the glory that shall be revealed in us.
Many people in the Bible endured severe afflictions.
Their stories show that suffering is real, but so is the Lord’s faithfulness.
God has faithfully sustained His people in the midst of suffering and brought deliverance in His time:
Job:
Endured the sudden loss of his wealth, children, and health due to immense trials. God ultimately delivered him and restored his life, blessing him with twice as much as he had before.
Joseph:
Betrayed and sold into slavery by his brothers, he was later falsely imprisoned in Egypt. God delivered him, promoting him to a position of power so he could save countless lives, including his own family, during a severe famine.The Israelites:
They suffered under harsh enslavement and oppression in Egypt for centuries. God delivered them through Moses with miraculous signs and led them out of bondage. In Exodus 1:12, the more the Egyptians afflicted the Israelites, the more they multiplied and grew.Daniel:
Thrown into a den of lions for his continued faith in God. God delivered him by sending an angel to shut the lions' mouths, leading the king to praise God's rescuing power.
· The Apostle Paul:
Faced severe persecutions, including afflictions, shipwrecks, and imprisonment across cities like Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra.
He said in 2 Timothy 3:10-12 (KJV)
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Be honest in prayer:
Pour out your raw emotions. God is not intimidated by your frustration, grief, or doubt; He invites you to bring them directly to Him.
Anchor yourself in Scripture:
Meditate on God's promises rather than your circumstances. The Psalms are particularly helpful for identifying with lament and finding comfort in God’s presence.
Recall how God has been faithful to you in the past:
Remembering Gods track record.
Lean into community:
Don't suffer in isolation.
Allow your trusted friends, family, or a church family to support you. Allow them to pray with you, and help bear your burdens.
Choose to praise God:
Even when you are in deep pain, choosing to focus on God's abilities can shift your perspective from your affliction to His sovereignty.
