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Trust in him at all times, O people. Psalm 62:8
D.L. MOODY
There are a good many who trust God when they see all is light and clear before them, but not in the dark. They will trust when everything is fair and bright—no opposition, no persecution or bitterness, but all smooth sailing. Well, that is walking by sight, and not by faith. We are to trust in the Lord at all times. The Lord will not have one who cannot be tried. If you are starting out in the Lord’s work, you are going to be tempted. St. Augustine said that God has had one Son without sin, but no son without trials.
ERWIN LUTZER
Suffering of any kind seems to count against God’s love for us. Whether an unexpected health crisis, injustice, abuse, or opposition because of our stand for Christ—we are easily deceived into thinking that God cannot be trusted. But it was Jesus who gave us a promise we don’t particularly like, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). That tribulation can take many different forms, but if we suffer for His name, Jesus also said, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11–12).
Suffering has a purpose; it forces us to look beyond the present world to the future world; it reminds us that life here is temporary and eternity is forever. Suffering fuels anticipation; it tests our faith, so that it will be found to be “more precious than gold” (1 Peter 1:7). Paul put it clearly, “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance” (Romans 5:3).
PRAYER
Father, help me to trust, even when I do not understand.REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Why should we consider ourselves blessed when we suffer?
How can you prepare yourself for when suffering comes? What should be the foundation of your ability to suffer?