In This World You Will Have Affliction

When the things that happen to us in our daily lives grow increasingly difficult, there is an immediate temptation to feel like victims of circumstances. If we allow this temptation to dominate us, we will expect the people around us to feel bad for us and have compassion. But thanks be to God, in Christ Jesus we have another alternative. Through Him we can already experience victory in the midst of any tribulation.

Sometimes it would seem that when we need help the most, the answers remain out of reach. This adversity can deceive us to the point that we begin to believe that we are destined to be in this condition because we deserve it. If we allow this reasoning to control us, it will contaminate our mind, overwhelm our heart, and make us feel defeated. There is not a single instance in the Bible where God has felt sorry for a person who complained about his condition. On the contrary, He has always provided the answer to those who put their confidence and hope in Him. Jesus said to His disciples, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

The Lord is not indifferent to our suffering because He knows what it is to be rejected, falsely accused, and despised. As a man, He did experience sickness, sadness, and affliction. Today take heart and cry out to Him in the midst of the tribulation, and He will answer you. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)

PROMISE OF THE WEEK – Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4-5)