Hope in Suffering

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Acts 8:28 This week our daily devotions have focused on suffering. Suffering is something that we don’t like to experience or even think about, but we can be assured that in the midst of suffering God is working to make our trials and troubles into something good. This might be difficult for us believe, especially when we are in the midst of our trials. However, when we look at Scripture we see it happening time and time again. Moses was a murderer hiding in the desert when God called him to be the leader of his people. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years before entering the land flowing with milk and honey. Jonah sat in the belly of a large fish, thinking he was going to die, when God used him to preach the message of repentance to the people of Nineveh. Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison only to be released by an earthquake and used by God to baptize their Roman jailer and his family. Jesus was beaten, mocked and crucified dying a horrible death on the cross only to be resurrected three days later to defeat death and bring the gift of eternal life! When we are in the midst of suffering, it is difficult to see how God is working to bring about good. But as the scripture tells us, when he love the Lord and put our trust in him, when can know beyond any doubt, that God will turn our mourning into dancing. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We might not see it today, or as soon as we would like, but it is there to give us that glimmer of hope. It is that hope that carries us through our suffering. Prayer: Thank you God that you are a good God and that you work all things out for good. Help me to hold on to this promise, especially when I am in the midst of trials. Help me to love you and trust in you at all times. Amen. Faith Tip: Do you know someone today who is suffering? How might you be used by God in their life to bring them a glimmer of hope? Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson