Due to living in a fallen world, we are always coming across problems. Problems with work, our relationships, and our health can leave us feeling worn out. It never feels as though we can get a break. Instead of being relieved once one problem is resolved, a hundred new problems replace it. Whenever we are feeling like this, we need to turn to the Lord and know that He has a beautiful plan for our lives.
God has not promised the followers of Jesus an easy life. Jesus warned,
John 15:18-21 NLT [18] “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. [19] The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. [20] Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. [21] They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me.
But the Lord also promises that He will be with His people.
Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Joshua 1:9 NLT This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 41:10 NLT Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Psalms 23:1-6 NLT [1] The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. [2] He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. [3] He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. [4] Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. [5] You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. [6] Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Jesus’ parting words to the disciples were: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age”.
Matthew 28:18-20 NLT [18] Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. [19] Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
God is with us in our joy and in our suffering. Even more importantly, God equips us with everything we need to accomplish His purpose for us.
God is always in control
The Christ Church Los Angeles Wednesday Bible Study Group just finished a study of the book of 1 Peter. In that letter written to Christians Peter reminded believers that God knew what He was doing and was in complete control. No matter how difficult the fiery trial may become, a Christian always has hope, because
God has the grace to help in every time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 NLT So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Whatever begins with God’s grace will always lead to God’s glory.
Psalms 84:11 NLT For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
Philippians 1:3-6 NIV [3] I thank my God every time I remember you. [4] In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, [6] being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Whatever God starts, he finishes!
If we depend on God’s grace when we suffer, that suffering will result in glory.
1 Peter 4:13-16 NLT [13] Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. [14] If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. [15] If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. [16] But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!
There may be trials and tribulations, but they lead to glory, and that is all that really counts. Christians will face trials and suffering in this life, but it is only for a while.
1 Peter 5:10-11 NLT [10] In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. [11] All power to him forever! Amen. 1
Compared to eternity, our earthly struggles are temporary.
Through trials, God works in our lives to make us more mature (perfect), strengthen our faith (confirm), and give us spiritual resilience (strengthen).
James 1:2-4 NLT [2] Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. [3] For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. [4] So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
I am sure that there have been times in your life (there have been many in mine) where you don't feel like there is a purpose to the stuff you are going through. There is only suffering. We sometimes feel that pain actually makes us weaker. Every pain, every tear, and every heartache does not lead us to something greater. Instead, it can lead us to meet the end of the road. We think about the past and that plans we previously had for our lives seem to be non-existent and we don't even know how we are going to make it another day. When we have these kinds of thoughts we can find lasting hope and purpose in God. He has great plans for our life.
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Through the pain, we can see His will more clearly and we take joy in knowing that our suffering is never forgotten by Him.
1 Peter 5:7 NLT Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
His goodness and his love will ensure all of the plans He has for our lives will be accomplished. Some of them might not be completed in the ways we once thought; however, we can trust in His plans. We may not know which way to go but God always knows the way. He will direct and guide each of our steps because He already knows the plans He has for us and that these plans will prosper us. They will not harm us in any way. Rather, these plans will give us hope and a future. Whenever we are unsure about the future, we need to rely on God’s plans for our lives.
The plans God has for us is far greater than anything we could ever imagine. If you are presently going through suffering remember that just how the physical seasons change, this season of life will change too. The suffering and pain you are experiencing now will not endure forever.
Things may be tough now God’s plans for your life are still being fulfilled. No matter how hard we try to mess up God’s plans for our lives he accomplishes them. We can’t do anything to separate us from His plans.
Philippians 1:6 NLT And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Romans 8:28-30 NLT [28] And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. [29] For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
The plans He has for you will prevail and they will be glorious.
God has not promised the followers of Jesus an easy life. Jesus warned,
John 15:18-21 NLT [18] “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. [19] The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. [20] Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. [21] They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me.
But the Lord also promises that He will be with His people.
Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Joshua 1:9 NLT This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 41:10 NLT Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Psalms 23:1-6 NLT [1] The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. [2] He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. [3] He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. [4] Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. [5] You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. [6] Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Jesus’ parting words to the disciples were: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age”.
Matthew 28:18-20 NLT [18] Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. [19] Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
God is with us in our joy and in our suffering. Even more importantly, God equips us with everything we need to accomplish His purpose for us.
God is always in control
The Christ Church Los Angeles Wednesday Bible Study Group just finished a study of the book of 1 Peter. In that letter written to Christians Peter reminded believers that God knew what He was doing and was in complete control. No matter how difficult the fiery trial may become, a Christian always has hope, because
- We have God’s grace
- We know that we are going to glory
- Our present suffering is only for a while
- We know that our trials are building Christian character
God has the grace to help in every time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 NLT So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Whatever begins with God’s grace will always lead to God’s glory.
Psalms 84:11 NLT For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
Philippians 1:3-6 NIV [3] I thank my God every time I remember you. [4] In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, [6] being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Whatever God starts, he finishes!
If we depend on God’s grace when we suffer, that suffering will result in glory.
1 Peter 4:13-16 NLT [13] Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. [14] If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. [15] If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. [16] But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!
There may be trials and tribulations, but they lead to glory, and that is all that really counts. Christians will face trials and suffering in this life, but it is only for a while.
1 Peter 5:10-11 NLT [10] In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. [11] All power to him forever! Amen. 1
Compared to eternity, our earthly struggles are temporary.
Through trials, God works in our lives to make us more mature (perfect), strengthen our faith (confirm), and give us spiritual resilience (strengthen).
James 1:2-4 NLT [2] Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. [3] For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. [4] So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
I am sure that there have been times in your life (there have been many in mine) where you don't feel like there is a purpose to the stuff you are going through. There is only suffering. We sometimes feel that pain actually makes us weaker. Every pain, every tear, and every heartache does not lead us to something greater. Instead, it can lead us to meet the end of the road. We think about the past and that plans we previously had for our lives seem to be non-existent and we don't even know how we are going to make it another day. When we have these kinds of thoughts we can find lasting hope and purpose in God. He has great plans for our life.
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Through the pain, we can see His will more clearly and we take joy in knowing that our suffering is never forgotten by Him.
1 Peter 5:7 NLT Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
His goodness and his love will ensure all of the plans He has for our lives will be accomplished. Some of them might not be completed in the ways we once thought; however, we can trust in His plans. We may not know which way to go but God always knows the way. He will direct and guide each of our steps because He already knows the plans He has for us and that these plans will prosper us. They will not harm us in any way. Rather, these plans will give us hope and a future. Whenever we are unsure about the future, we need to rely on God’s plans for our lives.
The plans God has for us is far greater than anything we could ever imagine. If you are presently going through suffering remember that just how the physical seasons change, this season of life will change too. The suffering and pain you are experiencing now will not endure forever.
Things may be tough now God’s plans for your life are still being fulfilled. No matter how hard we try to mess up God’s plans for our lives he accomplishes them. We can’t do anything to separate us from His plans.
Philippians 1:6 NLT And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Romans 8:28-30 NLT [28] And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. [29] For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
The plans He has for you will prevail and they will be glorious.
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