Finding Hope in the Times of Struggles and Suffering

Hello Friends,

Lately I've been struggling through some tough trials and such, and I know of some friends and family who have too. If anyone else out there who reads this and is struggling, I hope you will be encouraged as this blog will dive into talking about finding hope and joy in the middle of the struggles.

Now, let us dig in...

James 1:2-3 (NLT) "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."

This is a commonly referenced verse.  Times of trials builds character. It can be awful but if we allow it and allow God to, it can build us and make us stronger and better for it and we can use our struggles and perseverance to help others in their trials. Further in James 1 we get some more understanding on how our trials can actually bring about some good.

James 1:12 (NLT) "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

James 5:10-11 (NLT) "For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy."

James had a lot to say about persevering trough trials. As painful and hard as they can be, they can make us better and help us grow. God wants to helps us through them and bring us comfort. He also wants us to help others too.

2 Corinthians 1:3-6 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer."

We are to comfort others in their times of trouble. I have either seen or heard of examples of  Christians whom have watched others of the faith struggle with trials and sufferings but they either ignored them, flat out shunned them, or even made things worse by gossiping about them or putting them down. That is wrong. We are to build each other up and others up. Just because a believer is suffering, does not mean they are not a believer anymore or not praying enough. We are to share in Christ's sufferings to be more like him.We are also to respond like Christ when we or others around us are suffering. Condemning and shunning or belittling others are not Christ-like responses but rather, responses of the Pharisees/hypocrites!

Here is a good example that Jesus set:
John 8:2-11 "At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They were using this question as a trap in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." 

Good stuff right there! Jesus showed compassion and stood up for this woman. He did not condemn her. God shows us compassion and mercy to us all the time for things we do or don't do. We should extend, what is shown to us, to others. In particular to those you see struggling. Check out Luke 19. Jesus took time and hung out with a much despised tax-collector of the town. The tax-collector's life was transformed after that and he paid back the money he cheated people out of.

Compassion goes a long way. Both the one whom compassion is being extended too and the one extending the compassion. I have seen and heard of examples of other believers extending compassion to those enduring hard times. I have had many believers be there for me when I was in need of prayer or comfort or simply a friend. I have seen and experienced compassion, which is a great thing. So, if you want to make a difference in someone else's life, show compassion, that is huge, it really is.


Jesus says for us not to let our hearts be troubled and not to be afraid. Also, we will face trials and suffer, much because of following him. Following Christ can be costly and Jesus said it would be, but he also said not to fear for He has overcome them. We have victory in Christ.
Spend some time reading John 15 and 16 if you can, they are good chapters to read.

1 Peter 4:12-14,16,19 "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you...However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name...So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."

So despite the hardships and painful trials, we should not be surprised. We should actually rejoice. It is not easy at all. But we need to, and to persevere. We need to commit ourselves to God and trust Him and his plan he has for our situation. He is in it and helping us every step of the way. Maybe we should focus on the ways He has provided or brought us rest, comfort, joy, or maybe a loving community around us to help. I certainly need to, and not grumble so much, lol. Grumble I do. It's a learning process for sure.


I want to share a few verses that are so encouraging and that God has reminded me of in the last few weeks:

Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Some good stuff! There is a lot in the bible covering trials and suffering. Jesus suffered a lot. His disciples did too. Paul is a great example of whom went through so much trials; as did Job. I hope the surface we scratched will help you readers through the trials and sufferings you may be going through. I would encourage you to read more for yourselves and maybe consider reading my last post on "Spiritual Warfare." But seek the bible first.

I will leave you with some encouraging scriptures:

Philippians 4:4-7 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Psalm 46:1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with surging."

Be encouraged!