Painful Life Seasons..

Enduring and overcoming…

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones;  a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to gain, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate;  a time of war, and a time of peace (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).

There are many seasons in life. Some more painful than others.

How do we survive those seasons of hurt- of pain? 

How do we cling to “the hope that is in us” when the suffering is so intense that it feels like our hearts will break?

By clinging to the Rock of Ages. We pray to God for deliverance. For healing. And we wait with expectation that the Lord will hear us.

Keep on Keeping on..

Keep doing whatever God has called you to do. Persevere, stay the course, and be faithful, regardless of any opposition or hardship. (2 Tim. 4:1-5)

 Trust God to deal with those who oppose the truth. Don’t take matters into your own hands or become bitter and argumentative. (2 Tim. 2:23–26)

 Remember times in the past when the Lord delivered or rescued you. Be quick to praise Him and testify to others (2 Tim. 3:11; 4:16-17).

Rely on the resources God has given you:

• The grace of God (2 Tim. 1:2, 9; 2:1; 4:22).
• The gift of God—your God-given ability to serve Him (2 Tim. 1:6-7).
• The power of God (rather than your own strength) (2 Tim. 1:8; Phil. 2:13; Eph. 6:10).
• The indwelling Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 1:14).

The Word of God, which will keep you grounded and give you perspective (2 Tim. 2:7, 9; 3:12-17; 4:1-2).

Remember that you are not alone in your suffering.

You already have:

• The presence of Christ (Matt. 28:20)
• The prayers of other believers (2 Tim. 1:3)
• The “fellowship of suffering”—other believers who are facing hardships for the sake of Christ (2 Tim. 1:8; Heb. 13:3; Col. 1:24).

The Truth is:

• All wrongs will one day be righted (2 Tim. 3:8-9; 4:14).
• The Lord will deliver you from all evil—in His time and way (2 Tim. 4:17-18). In the meantime, counsel your heart according to the truth and promises of God (Psalm 27).
• All your suffering, efforts, labors, and faithfulness will be rewarded in “that Day” when believers stand before the Lord (2 Tim. 1:12, 18; 2:12; 4:8; Phil. 1:6, 10; 2:16; James 1:12).
• You will give an account, so guard the “deposit” entrusted to you (2 Tim. 1:12, 14; 1 Tim. 6:20).

n all your suffering, remember Jesus Christ.

Remember:

• His life and His suffering and sacrifice for you (2 Tim. 2:3)
• His triumph over Satan, sin, and death (2 Tim. 2:8)
• His power, promises, and presence (Matt. 28:18-20)
• What He is doing for you in heaven (John 14:2-3; Rom. 8:34).

Expect suffering—it is inevitable—but remember the words of our Lord: “in this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! for I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Entrust your life to His ever-present care and control. He loves you, and He will help you endure.