There are times in our lives when we come face to face with our greatest fears and what we perceive to be insurmountable challenges.
There are times when we are confronted with the reality of our frailty, where we ultimately reach rock bottom and our minds contemplate whether death is a better option.
We all can agree that the road of life is not paved with gold and in the midst of the beauty of life there is often times unfathomable pain.
What’s the use?
In recent discussions with some colleagues, questions arose as to why in-spite of persistence in faith, constant prayer and dutiful bible study, some believers encounter such hardships in life, whilst there are others seemingly cruise through the course. I dare say many others have also pondered this question.
Indeed, people are constantly in search of answers to the many questions and challenges of life. Where one seeks the answers to these and many other questions however is key. Irrespective of the many questions one may have, it is crucial that they are expressed and discussed with someone by whom one can be spiritually guided.
Hardships are a part of life
A few weeks ago, the media celebrated the life of a deceased celebrity. It was the anniversary of her birth. This lady from all accounts seemingly had it all, amazing talent, beauty, fame and boundless fortune. Yet, amidst all this were cocaine addiction and marital strife. In the end this celebrity died from health complications compounded by cocaine use. This celebrity ultimately drowned in her sea of troubles.
With all that fame and fortune was there no means to secure help for her troubles? Surely then fortune and fame offer no immunity from troubles.
I am also reminded that the heroes of the Bible also had hardships and troubles. The outstanding prophet Elijah fled in fear from Jezebel and was evidently suicidal and Jeremiah was seemingly despised, alienated from his family and rejected by his community.
How do we deal with hardships?
In John Chapter 16 verse 33 (NLT) Jesus outlines that “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Jesus therefore forewarned us that we would have many trials and sorrows here on earth. Hardships is clearly a part of life, but Jesus gives us hope and tells us to take heart as He has overcome the world.
We know from the word of God that Jesus Christ is our hope and source through hardship. The scriptures are replete with references to the peace of Christ.
In Luke Chapter 1, verses 78-79 (NLT), we are reminded that “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”
Further, in John Chapter 14 verse 27 (AMP), Jesus encourages us:
“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.”
We therefore have a source of hope and peace in our hardships and that is what I look to, to keep me in the midst of life’s storms. Brothers and sisters, I encourage you to do likewise.