During Advent, we sing songs like “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night” with jubilant and peaceful tones, the season ushering in “good tidings” to those of “good cheer.” But there’s real sadness all around us, maybe inside us too. Yet in the Christian faith, we are given permission to hold joy and suffering together and still rejoice. As we read through today’s scriptures, John 16:33 helps us walk through the hard things while also celebrating and anticipating our deliverance in Jesus.
“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
Many Christians think that once they accept Jesus all their troubles will disappear. Yet Jesus is very clear that suffering is a part of the human experience. Maybe you feel like Paul, and you see your “thorn” as a way for God to humble you (2Corinthians 12:7). Or maybe your suffering has no explanation other than living in a fallen world. The same God who used Israel’s suffering to reveal His great power gives purpose to even our most senseless hardship to reveal His power (v.9).
After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, Moses praised God, singing, “The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation” (Exodus 15:2). How soon afterward did the Israelites find their circumstances too hard and begin to grumble against God? Pretty soon. We, too, quickly forget the power God has to deliver us. Unlike the Israelites’ response to hardship, we can continue to trust God because “The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people” (Psalm 68:35).
Courage as a Christian may not look like someone having it all together. True courage is taking our weaknesses to God and allowing Him to be our strength (2Corinthians 12:10).
The God who defeated Egypt is the same God who defeated our great enemy. In sin, we were enslaved. But Jesus took the ultimate suffering, was raised on the third day, and the “forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations” (Luke 24:47).
Jesus has victory over all suffering. Trials are hard, but He knows what we need and provides enough for us to find hope each day as we wade through the difficult waters of life. Our strength and comfort are found in knowing the same God who delivered Israel is the same God who delivers us—He has done it, and He will do it again.
I noticed the theme of suffering as well! I was thinking about it the other day and wondering the same thing as you.
Dear Churchmouse – I said the same when Tanner was diagnosed. “Why not me?” It felt wrong and selfish to ask “why me” as if I was saying why not my friend. I would not wish that on anyone. BUT GOD…He pulled me through. I’m so so thankful.
Thank You Miss Hurley! Today’s devotional was what I needed to hear this morning. “Trials are hard, but He knows what we need and provides enough for us to find hope each day as we wade through the difficult waters of life. Our strength and comfort are found in knowing the same God who delivered Israel is the same God who delivers us—He has done it, and He will do it again”. I don’t need to deny or disguise the heart aches. That’s duplicitous & exhausting. What I can do is face the day remembering who delights in me & delivers me. And share that with someone else. And Thank You SRT Team! How magnificent the paired scripture readings! Many of my “faithful favorites” included. Those taken to memory, underscored & posted in journals. Those that help my walk through hard things. That set my path towards the softer, sweeter things. As Apostle Paul exhorts the Philippians…”if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy – dwell on these things”. (Philippians 4:8). Turn your thoughts in that direction. Something beautiful hides behind the broken. His grace. His glory. His gift. Lauren Daigle has a song: “Look Up Child”. Not just December.
I’m so thankful that I can find strength in my Jesus. I don’t need to conjure it up on my own. I also love worshipping and following a God who has overcome the world.
Churchmouse…yes. Thank you. My sister is hurting. She is an assistant in a special needs classroom in middle school. Some of these children are violent. She’s been beat up, the classroom destroyed & yesterday 2 of the boys lost it. Today she’s “in a bad mood.” I told her I would be praying for her. Several of you made comments that are so perfect. She believes, but she she doesn’t walk with Jesus, lean on Him, rely on Him. I hope y’all don’t mind if I share some of your comments along with the scriptures. Thank you.
Hugs & love to all.
CHURCHMOUSE, thank you for sharing. I remember when I was diagnosed with cancer, I started to say why me and then I also said why not me? Why would I be so special?
God can do amazing things with our circumstances. There are so many people who I have had the honor of interacting with, and sharing Jesus with because of osteosarcoma. I wouldn’t change that for anything.
Blessings to each of you sisters on this Friday. I am praying for each of you and asking that you have peace and strength during this holiday season and in the year to come.
Tricia
Kenya, your words speak volumes to my situation right now: as long as I am doing my best to walk in Gods truth, then I can let go of so much. My suffering isn’t on me and neither is the responsibility of making it better. But honestly, this sounds too good to be true. And I think that’s the hardest part – letting go and letting God.
Michelle P- I too am in a waiting period. I am waiting on different things (moving to a better place, business growth, finances)- but totally relate to the weary feeling and not being filled up emotionally. Praying for you during your waiting and know you’re not alone.
No, we are called to share in the suffering of our Savior. But every suffering we experience, he has experienced before us. Our sufferings make us more into the image of Christ. Bless you, dear sister. ❤️