Difficult Times? - Persevere
“Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12)
“Peace be with you!” That may have been a common greeting among the Jews, but when we hear it from the risen Jesus Christ, it may all the sense. He so comforted a very troubled people.
Many people in this world are troubled because of the hardships they pass through. The hardships and difficulties in this world include: persecution, poverty, debts, unemployment, floods, famine, and bereavement among others. Believers have asked questions like: Why do the righteous suffer? How come that the good God who created man in His own image allows people to suffer? Since He is omnipotent (all powerful), why not stop suffering in our lives? This suffering is God’s mystery.
Even Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry passed through difficulties. If even the Son of God suffered, why not His followers? One may also ask a question: Where was God when His Son was being crucified on the cross? It is impossible for people who are still alive to avoid suffering. Christians experience harassment, sickness, loss of property and sometimes imprisonment even when they are innocent. Our role as Christians is to stand firm in our faith, enduring while anticipating the fulfillment of God’s promises (Heb 6:12; 10:36). Like runners in a race who need to stay focused and within their lanes so as to obtain a prize, we also need to be focused to obtain the ultimate prize of eternal life. Some people give up their faith when they face challenges and end up missing blessings we receive after overcoming trials. Perseverance in following Christ is needed for effective ministry (1Cor 4:12) and growth toward maturity (Rom 5:3-4).Remember God shows his compassion to those who endure.
During the reign of Emperor Nero in the early Church, Christians lived in an environment which was full of trials. They faced hostility from the State, relatives and former pagan friends who accused them of refusing to worship the Emperor, participating in military service and offering incense on pagan altars. During this era, many Christians lost their lives: Various forms of insults, torture and hostility prevailed. Some new converts started backsliding because of fear, while others were forced to denounce their faith.
Many times suffering is aimed at testing our faith. Just as gold is tested by fire, faith of a believer is also tested and strengthened through trials and suffering (1Pet 1:7). James has encouraged: ‘when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised’. We need God’s guidance when we face difficult situations. We need to persevere with regular discipline in prayer, the Word of God, and encouraging one another. We are not alone: God is with us in every situation. Always remember Jesus’ greeting and be encouraged: Peace be with you!
God bless you all.