Posted by May Ng • Oct 11, 2022
I am very thankful that as Christians, we have a firm foundation on which we can face suffering head-on.
In the midst of facing personal challenges, my mind and my heart are constantly fraught with many questions. With difficulties coming from many directions, the uncertainties that come along with it are very tormenting. Emotions swing like a pendulum, and I find myself repetitively playing the worst case scenario in my head. However, Scripture dictates that I ought to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
Romans 5:3-5 says that “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
While going through suffering, I have learnt to be totally reliant on Scripture. This is progressively translating to a lifestyle of total surrender, and wanting to know Him more. The Holy Spirit is continuously prompting me to seek God in quiet humility, praying and waiting on Him. While this does not mean that my circumstances have immediately improved, I am confident that God has a greater purpose in all of these, and He is still holding me in the palm of His hands. He is still on the throne and in control. And I know my confidence in God is not misplaced, for He Who died for me is worthy of all my trust. It is also encouraging to know that God cares for me enough for Him to mould me, in order for me to be more like Him.
The irony from these is, I find myself to be at peace, and to be quite joyful too. After casting all my cares to Him each time, I have a tendency to ‘forget’ about my troubles. I do not mean to sound irresponsible, but I do take God’s invitation literally! He cares for me! I do not want my suffering to go to waste – I know God will use me mightily and He will be glorified. In this journey, I pray that God will continue to flood me with His joy, and my part is to fix my gaze on Him alone.
I am comforted that in the midst of my suffering, my Lord Jesus leans into me and assures me that He will never forsake me. I know that if I believe, I will see the glory of God.
I believe.