When Life Hurts

I get lots of calls, letters, and emails requesting prayer. Each request is different. Some requests just really stand out. That’s the case with “Frieda” who asked for prayer. After 16 years of marriage her husband wanted out. He met another woman online. He felt “alive” with the other woman and wanted a new life. Despite her tears and prayers, the marriage ended. Why such needless suffering? Frieda was suffering, and her children were confused. With more questions than answers they marched forward but the profound sense of loss and suffering continued.

When it comes to suffering there are no easy or “pat” answers. There isn’t a scripture verse that is going to jump out at us and make everything all better. However, when life hurts, we can trust His Word.

His Word assures us of His:

• Promises

• Purpose &

• Perspective

God Promises to Help

His promise to help when we need it most is a great comfort. He says we can come to Him boldly and receive mercy and grace when we need it most. This promise is for you and me.

 Hebrews 4:15-16 New Living Translation (NLT) 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 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.

God fulfills His purposes amid Suffering

In the midst of suffering, God’s purposes for our lives are fulfilled as we trust and obey Him by faith. Even Jesus suffered and what He suffered brought Him through as a perfect leader.

Hebrews 2:10 NLT God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.

God’s Word Gives Us Perspective in Our Suffering

 What we are going through right now will not last forever. This gives us perspective and comfort though to know that one day everything will be made right.

 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NLT) 16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are[a] being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

 If you are in a season of suffering take some time right now reflect on God’s Promises, Purposes, and Perspective. Allow His Word to encourage you and fill your heart with hope.

Today’s Secret from the Studio: When Life Hurts You can trust His Promises Purposes and Perspective